CABINET OFFICE

Government Car Service

James Gray: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  how many cars in the Government Car Service pool will pay the full London congestion charge; and how many will be eligible for a reduction;
	(2)  how many and what proportion of the Government Car Service drivers are (a) women and (b) from a racial minority; and what were the equivalent figures in (a) 1997 and (b) 2000;
	(3)  if he will list the cars in the Government Car Service pool broken down by (a) make, (b) model, (c) registration number and (d) where they are registered.

Douglas Alexander: The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the framework document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its chief executive Mr. Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Government Car Service

James Gray: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the impact of the congestion charge on (a) the Government Car Service and (b) Ministers on official business.

Douglas Alexander: The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the framework document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its chief executive Mr. Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.
	However, there is no special exemption from the congestion charge for Government vehicles. GCDA will meet the cost of the congestion charge for its fleet of vehicles and will cover the cost from its customers.
	Any congestion charge incurred by Ministers while on official business would be met by Departments.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Fuel Poverty

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people fell out of fuel poverty because of reduced energy prices during the financial year which ended on 31st March 2002.

Brian Wilson: It is estimated that in England the number of households in fuel poverty fell by around 1- million between 1996 and 2000. This fall is largely a consequence of increased incomes and reduced fuel prices in roughly equal degrees. The impacts of energy efficiency schemes since 1998 are not included in this estimate. Information is not available specifically for the year ending 31 March 2002.
	Further analyses of fuel poverty and explanations of the methods used to produce these, are given at www.dti.gov.uk/energy/consumers/fuel_poverty/.

Aerospace Industry

Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to support the Pechiney Aviatube Company at Lillyhall, Workington against the downturn in the aerospace industry.

Alan Johnson: Pechiney Aviatube have received an offer of a £240,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant support towards the £2 million first stage of a project intended to upgrade facilities at the plant. The North West Development Agency is also working with the company to identify other forms of support that may be available to them.

Annual Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much producing her Department's latest Annual Report cost; how many copies were printed; how many copies of it were sold at its cover price; to whom copies of the report have been provided free of charge; and how many copies were provided free of charge.

Patricia Hewitt: The cost incurred by the Department for design and artwork of the latest Expenditure Plans report (June 2002) was £32,161. This figure includes the costs incurred in placing an electronic version of the report on the departmental website. Other costs of printing and publication were met directly by the publisher, The Stationery Office Ltd. (TSO), and did not fall to the Government. TSO recoups these costs through sales and uses its commercial judgment as to the number of copies printed. Some 420 copies of the latest Expenditure Plans report were sold at the cover price (£25) by TSO or through its accredited agents and other booksellers.
	In addition, the Department circulated some 540 complimentary copies to Ministers, Opposition Front Bench spokesmen, Select Committee Members and staff, other Peers and MPs, the Parliamentary Libraries, DTI officials and external Board Members (including in agencies and NDPBs), officials in other Government Departments and journalists.

Appointments

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who have been members of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' Industry Forum since its inception; what (a) expenses and (b) salary each received; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' Industry Forum is not a membership organisation. There is however a non salaried board which oversees its activities. The members of the board have included:
	Michael Baunton Varity Perkins Group Ltd
	Alan Jones Toyota Motor Mfg (UK) Ltd
	Sir Ian Gibson ex Nissan Motor Mfg (UK) Ltd
	John Neill CBE Unipart Group of Companies Ltd
	Trevor Bonner CBE ex GKN
	Mike Beasley CBE Jaguar Cars Limited
	John Cushnaghan Nissan Motor Mfg (UK) Ltd
	J Gilchrist Leyland Trucks
	Allan Cooke Cobham plc
	Christopher Macgowan SMMT
	Bob Lawrie SMMT
	Graham Broome SMMT IF
	Arthur David SMMT IF
	Geoff Dale SMMT IF
	Kevin Dimmelow SMMT IF

Appointments

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who have been members of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force since its inception; what expenses or salary each received; and if she will make a statement.

Alan Johnson: The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force had 13 members, excluding Ministers, who were: Ian McAllister (ex Ford), Tony Rose (Rover), Keith Taylor (Esso UK), Neil Johnson (RAC), David Lea (TUC), Nigel Haigh (IEEP), Michael Gwilt (Arriva), David Green (FTA), Michael Parker (Nexus), Michael Baunton (Perkins), Stuart Holland (ALTER), Sir Trevor Chinn (Lex). Membership was on a voluntary basis and no salaries or expenses were paid. The Task Force had its final meeting in June 2000 and disbanded afterwards.

Appointments

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who have been members of the Council for Excellence in Management and Leadership since its inception; what (a) expenses and (b) salary each received; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The members on the Council of Excellence in Management and Leadership since its inception are:
	Council Members
	Sir Anthony Cleaver
	Ms Sarah Anderson
	Dr. Neville Bain
	Sir Michael Bichard (only 2000–01 year)
	Dr. Tony Hayward
	Mr. Chris Humphries
	Professor Amin Rajan
	Sir Martin Sorrell
	Professor Stephen Watson
	Organisations Working Group
	Mr. David Butcher
	Mr. Robert Currie
	Mr. Patrick Lewis
	Ms Rosalind McCool
	Mr. Terry Morgan
	Mr. Neil Rodgers
	Mr. Paul Rodgers
	Ms Hilary Rowland
	Mr. Mark Woodhouse
	Professions Working Group
	Mr. Geoffrey Armstrong
	Mr. E. S. Awty
	Sir Michael Bichard
	Ms Mary Chapman
	Mr. Jonathan Harris
	Dr. Robert Hawley
	Mr. Michael Napier
	Dr. Jenny Simpson
	SME Working Group
	Mr. Simon Barley
	Mr. Anthony Cann
	Ms Vikki Cooke
	Mr. Ram Gidoomal
	Mr. William Kendall
	Mr. Paul Kiss
	Mr. Keith Moxham
	Professor Ken O'Neill
	Mr. Andy Powell
	Mr. A. Robinson
	Mr. C. Steel
	SME Taskforce
	Mr. David Battersby
	Mr. Cameron Beard
	Mr. Alan Bretherton
	Mr. Anthony Carey
	Mr. Mike Davis
	Mr. Brian Dunsby
	Mr. John Evans
	Ms Samantha Gemmell
	Ms Teresa Graham
	Mr. Martin Henry
	Mr. Michael Horner
	Professor Robin Jarvis
	Mr. Alan Jones
	Mr. Ian Kinder
	Professor Andrew Lock
	Ms Fiona Mellett
	Mr. Stephen Nightingale
	Mr. Stephen Pegge
	Mr. Chris Pierce
	Dr. Ken Poulter
	Mr. Peter Russian
	Dr. Michael Sanderson
	Mr. Don Scriven
	Mr. David Sears
	Mrs. Toni Shawley
	Mr. Mark Smith
	HE Advisory Group
	Mr. Peter Campbell
	Mr. Ray Campsie
	Professor Chris Greensted
	Professor David Kirby
	Dr. Clare Morris
	Ms Sally Muggeridge
	Professor Leo Murray
	Mr. Michael Osbaldiston
	Dr. B. A. W. Redfern
	Ms Margaret Saner
	Professor Ken Starkey
	Non HE Advisory Group
	Mr. Amarjit Basi
	Ms Tricia Bradley
	Ms Sue Cheshire
	Mr. David Clark
	Mr. Chris Hughes
	Ms Denise McCormack
	Mr. Will McKee
	Ms Oonagh McPhillips
	Dr. Sally Messenger
	Mrs. Lindsay Millington
	Mr. David Pardey
	Mr. John Quinan
	Ms Hilary Tucker
	Measurement Network
	Professor Derek Bosworth
	Ms Lisa Cramp
	Mr. Jim Hillage
	Dr. Christopher Mabey
	Professor Andy Neely
	Mr. Peter Russian
	Ms Penny Tamkin
	Professor Andrew Thomson
	Professor Stephen Wood
	CEML Support
	Mrs. Liz Amos
	Professor John Burgoyne
	Dr. Lew Perren
	Mrs. Dorothy Robb
	Dr. Wendy Hirsh
	Dr. Kim James
	Dr. Neill Schofield
	No salaries were paid to members. Members were entitled to reimbursement of travelling expenses so to attend meetings upon production of receipts etc. However, most did not in fact claim any expenses.

Assisted Areas (Scotland)

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to revise the withdrawal of assisted area status from Arbroath by the implementation of the Assisted Area Order 2000.

Alan Johnson: The European Commission's approval of the Assisted Areas map in Great Britain lasts until the end of 2006. It is not possible to increase the coverage in one area without reducing it in another. This would be likely to require an overall review of the map and new negotiations with the Commission, with no assurance that any particular area could be covered. The Government are therefore not planning to review the Assisted Areas map until it is necessary to develop proposals for the subsequent period.

Assisted Areas (Scotland)

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to revise the Assisted Areas map for Scotland through the Assisted Area Order 2000, prior to the expiry of that Act.

Alan Johnson: The Government have no plans to revise the Assisted Areas map before it is necessary to develop proposals for the period following the expiry of the European Commission's approval of the current map at the end of 2006.

BAE Systems (Financial Dynamics)

Syd Rapson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she (a) directed and (b) approved UBS Warburg's engagement of Financial Dynamics to advise on matters connected with BAE Systems.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government retained the services of UBS Warburg to provide specialist financial advice. Financial Dynamics was retained for a short period as part of this arrangement.

Business Links

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Business Link partnerships there are; how many have closed in each year since 1999; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: There are 43 Business Link Operator partnerships covering 45 areas across England.
	In April 2001, the network of Business Link Operators partnerships was rationalised from 80 to 43 in order to improve customer focus and divert more resources to front line services for SMEs.
	Contractual arrangements remain in place with all Business Link Operators awarded contracts in April 2001.

Broadband (Sittingbourne and Sheppey)

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 8 January 2003 (ref 88014), how many of the grants for broadband satellite were placed in Sittingbourne and Sheppey; and if she will make a statement on the timing of the publication of information about SEEDA's broadband strategy.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 13 January 2003
	One grant application has been approved by Wired Sussex acting on behalf of SEEDA in each of Sittingbourne and Sheppey. Two further applications await processing in Sheppey.
	Maximising access to, and take up of, broadband facilities forms Priority 14 of the Regional Economic Strategy which SEEDA are launching on 23 January 2003.
	Associated Action Plans, currently under formulation, set out how SEEDA and Regional Partners will deliver specific programmes both with respect to broadband generally and as it applies on a sub regional basis.

Capita Group

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the contracts that have been awarded to the Capita Group by her Department.

Patricia Hewitt: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 March 2002, Official Report, column 1W.

Cement Kilns

Jonathan Sayeed: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total energy requirement of the United Kingdom's cement kilns (a) is and (b) is expected to be over the next 20 years; and if she will forecast the maximum quantity and types of waste these cement kilns can digest over this time period.

Brian Wilson: The Government do not have information on the total current and future energy requirement of cement kilns. However, estimates from the British Cement Association suggest that in the short term (3–5 years) the potential use of waste in cement kilns, by a range of products, could be around 1–1½ million tonnes per year.

Correspondence

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she intends to reply to the letter of 29 July 2002 from the hon. Member for Manchester, Central, regarding Mr. D.G., reference number 97657.

Patricia Hewitt: A response to this letter was sent on 15 January 2003.

Departmental Staff

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many full-time equivalent staff are employed in (a) the Department and (b) each of the agencies it sponsors; and what the figures were for 1997.

Patricia Hewitt: I refer to the answer given by the Minister of State at the Cabinet Office on 16 January 2003, Official Report, column 697W.

Electricity Industry (Scotland)

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Transmission Issues Working Group will publish its report on the modernisation of Scotland's grid infrastructure.

Brian Wilson: The report is being finalised at the moment and my intention is to publish it as soon as possible.

Energy White Paper

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list (a) the target publication dates that Ministers have employed for the Energy White Paper and (b) when each target was first used.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 16 January 2003
	The Energy Review published in February 2002 by the Performance and Innovation Unit indicated that the Government would set out its detailed response in an Energy White Paper later in the year. The Consultation document for the White Paper issued in May 2002 said the Government intended to issue a White Paper around the turn of the year. In a reply to a Parliamentary Question in October 2002 Ministers said that they planned to publish the White Paper in the new Year.
	We plan to publish the White Paper shortly.

Export Credit Guarantees

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates she has made of the number of UK jobs within the defence industry that depend on export credit guarantees; and if she will make a statement.

Patricia Hewitt: The number of jobs in the defence sector that are created, secured or sustained as a result of export credit guarantees is difficult to estimate as the amount of ECGD support for particular industry sectors can vary widely from year to year. In UK Defence Statistics 2002 the Defence Analytical Services Agency estimates that total UK defence exports, only some of which have ECGD support—have on average supported around 100,000 jobs in the defence industry over the last five years.

External Consultants

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total cost to her Department was of the use of external consultants in 2002.

Patricia Hewitt: Central records indicate that contracts for consultancy for a total of £43 million were awarded in calendar year 2002.

Iraq

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the Chairman of the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce on the effect of a war in Iraq on UK trade with the Arab world.

Patricia Hewitt: No such representations have been received.

Job Creation Grants

Ronnie Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many grants for job creation her Department awarded in (a) Blyth Valley and (b) south-east Northumberland in 2002; and what the value was in each case.

Alan Johnson: The table sets out the numbers, value and job links for grants offered in 2002 under the Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) and Enterprise Grants schemes for Blyth Valley and south east Northumberland (the local authority districts of Blyth Valley, north Tyneside and Wansbeck). From 1 April 2002 responsibility for RSA was transferred to ONE NorthEast, the regional development agency.
	Details of individual RSA grants of over £75,000 are published in "Labour Market Trends" after the first payment of grant has been made.
	
		Regional Selective Assistance and Enterprise Grant 2002
		
			  Blyth Valley South east Northumberland 
		
		
			 Number of offers 5 20 
			 Grant value £344,671 £5,327,460 
			 Associated jobs 82 842

Logica

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the contracts awarded by her Department to Logica since 1 August 2002; and in each case what the (a) title, (b) total cost, (c) time scale and (d) terms of reference were.

Patricia Hewitt: Central records indicate that only one contract has been awarded to Logica since 1 August 2002, for development work on the Immarsat Voice Roaming (IVR) project. The contract runs from October 2002 to April 2003 and the total cost is £160,000.

New Employees

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the needs of employers with regard to new employees.

Patricia Hewitt: I assume the question concerns the needs of employers employing staff for the first time.
	I firmly believe that new employers need clear, accessible advice and guidance on good employment practice and regulatory requirements. This is made available by ACAS and the Small Business Service, working with my Department and other key Departments and agencies.
	In addition, I plan to take forward the helpful recommendations of the Better Regulation Task Force in this area: to run pilots to identify ways in which businesses, particularly small businesses, can participate in shared human resources schemes; to provide advice visits to employers, free seminars to businesses with less than five employees and easier access to mediation and arbitration services.

New Employees

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received from businesses about their requirements with regard to new employees.

Patricia Hewitt: Ministers regularly meet businesses and their representatives to discuss a range of issues, including employment matters.

Nuclear Industry

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the costs to British Energy of (a) storage of all AGR nuclear fuel and (b) continuation with current reprocessing contracts in each year of the projected life of each of British Energy's advanced gas-cooled reactors.

Brian Wilson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 8 January 2003, Official Report, column 242W.

Nuclear Security

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will ask the Director of her Department's Office for Civil Nuclear Security to review the security of British nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations with special reference to the invasion of Greenpeace protestors at the Sizewell B nuclear plant on 13 January.

Brian Wilson: The Director of Civil Nuclear Security is reviewing security at Sizewell B following the incident on 13 January. The Director and the Government take security very seriously and are concerned that any lessons to be learned should be applied to all civil nuclear power stations. Security at civil nuclear sites will continue to be kept under regular review.

Oil Reserves

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of the (a) extent and (b) accessibility of oil under Iraqi sovereignty; and what recent (a) representations she has received from and (b) discussions she has had with BP on this matter.

Brian Wilson: Iraq's proven oil reserves are estimate to be 112.5 billion barrels which amounts to over 10 per cent. of the world's total reserves. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in regular contact with all the major UK oil companies, but "Under Exemption 13, third party commercials confidences of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on access to government information", I am not able to comment on specific commercial issues.

Personal Business Advisers

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Business Link Personal Business Advisers there were in each year since 1999; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Post Boxes

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received concerning changes in the number of red post boxes in rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: These are matters that fall within the day to day responsibility of Royal Mail and I have therefore asked the Chairman to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Boxes

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Post Office on the continued provision of red post boxes in rural areas.

Stephen Timms: These are matters which fall within the day to day responsibility of Royal Mail and I have therefore asked the Chairman to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Office (Losses)

Nick Hawkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list (a) the losses, broken down by operational activity, for (i) Royal Mail, (ii) Parcelforce and (iii) Post Office Counters, and (b) non-operational charges, broken down by (A) write-offs and (B) pension costs at (1) Royal Mail, (2) Parcelforce and (3) Post Office Counters.

Stephen Timms: Losses for Royal Mail, Parcel Force and Post Office Counters in 2001–02 are set out in the table:
	
		
			 Losses from: Losses from operations Exceptional costs Losses after exceptional items before tax 
		
		
			 UK Mails 74 74 148 
			 UK Parcels 94 397 491 
			 Post Office Ltd. 163 78 241 
		
	
	It is not possible to provide more detailed figures as these are commercially confidential.
	The Department's officials are working with Royal Mail to provide the information requested on write-offs and pension costs. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as this is available, and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

Post Office (Benefits)

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Post Office will receive for each benefit and tax credit transaction paid via the (a) universal bank and (b) Post Office Card Account.

Stephen Timms: Remuneration for benefit and tax credit transactions is a commercial matter between the Post Office and its clients.

Post Office (Benefits)

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Post Office receives for each benefit transaction that is processed.

Stephen Timms: Remuneration for benefit transactions is a commercial matter between the Post Office and its client.

Postcomm

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the members of Postcomm.

Stephen Timms: The Commissioners appointed to Postcomm are:
	Graham Corbett, CBE
	Robin Aaornson
	Tony Cooper
	Julia Kaufmann
	Ken Olisa
	Janet Lewis-Jones
	Martin Stanley

PV Solar Panels

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many grants have been awarded for PV solar power panels in each of the last three years; and what the total value of such grants is.

Brian Wilson: Year 2000—Domestic PV Systems Field Trial, First Round: £1.4 million to support nine projects totalling 166 homes.
	Year 2001—Domestic PV Systems Field Trial, Second Round: £4 million to support 23 projects totalling 380 homes.
	Year 2002—Large Scale BIPV Field Trial for Public Buildings: £4.2 million to support 18 projects on schools, universities, council offices, leisure centres etc.
	Major PV Demonstration Programme, First Phase—Stream 1 (small-scale up to 5kWp)—118 grants awarded, worth £880,000; Stream 2 (medium and large-scale up to 100kWp)—27 grants awarded, worth £3.52 million.
	Total value of grants for last three years is £14 million.

Renewable Energy

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of Britain's current energy requirements she estimates could be met from renewable sources by 2020 if the sector were to benefit from the level of financial support currently made available to the nuclear industry.

Brian Wilson: Scope for the expansion of renewable energy and the question of future renewable energy targets will be discussed in the Energy White Paper, which will be published shortly. The White Paper will also address the issue of the future of nuclear power.

Sickness Absence

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many working days were lost due to illness in her Department in (a) 2002 and (b) each of the preceding five years.

Patricia Hewitt: The average number of staff days lost per staff year in the DTI Group have been:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 8.2 
			 1998 8.0 
			 1999 7.8 
			 2000 7.5 
			 2001 7.8 
		
	
	The DTI Group, in addition to DTI HQ, consists of ACAS, Companies House, Patent Office, Insolvency Service, National Weights & Measures Laboratory, Employment Tribunals Service and the Radiocommunications Agency.
	The figures are taken from the annual reports on public sector sick absence commissioned by the Cabinet Office each year and which enable interdepartmental comparison.
	Central figures for 2002 will not be available for some months but will be announced by Ministerial statement and copies placed in the Libraries of the House.

Small Business Service/Business Links

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry at what conferences and seminars in each year since 2000 (a) the Small Business Service and (b) Business Links were represented; what costs were incurred in each case; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Griffiths: The conferences at which SBS and Business Link were represented as exhibitors during the period and costs incurred are listed below. There is no central record of conferences where SBS and Business Link were only represented by delegates or speakers.
	
		
			   £ 
		
		
			 Women Unlimited 13/2/01 4,000 
			 Chief Executives Conference 8 to 9/3/01 400 
			 BCC National Conference 27 to 28/3/01 15,426 
			 Cardiff European Forum 11 to 12/10/01 12,500 
			 CBI Conference 4 to 6/11/01 36,075 
			
			 OST Framework Conference 22/1/02 Free 
			 NDC Jobs Convention 28 to 29/1/02 681 
			 Trade Association Forum 12/3/02 500 
			 BCC Conference 22 to 23/4/02 8,010 
			 IOD Annual Convention 24/4/02 6,500 
			 Women Moving On 22/5/02 550 
			 LGA Conference 2 to 5/7/02 3,422 
			 Trading Standards Conference 9 to 11/7/02 1,860 
			 CBI Conference 2002 24 to 26/11/02 15,000

Steel Industry

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking (a) to support and promote the UK steel industry and (b) to help the UK steel industry fulfil its production capacity.

Alan Johnson: The information is as follows:
	(a) The Department works closely with steel industry representatives to help the sector to improve its competitive position. We are providing support towards a number of initiatives designed to help steel companies to improve productivity and innovation.
	The Metal Industry Competitiveness Enterprise (MICE) is a five year process improvement and supply chain improvement project launched in February 2000 with £1.5 million contribution from DTI.
	The National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTECH) is a collaborative venture which will draw together sources of metals related expertise in order to provide a unique service to UK companies seeking help and advice on metals technology and R&D issues. DTI, in partnership with Yorkshire Forward, are providing £2.7 million in pump priming support.
	(b) I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply to his questions tabled on 10 December 2002, Official Report, column 404W, and 12 December 2002, Official Report, column 403W.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of pledged assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan has been received by the Afghan Government; and how much of the financial assistance so far received by the interim Government of Afghanistan has been spent on projects other than humanitarian aid.

Clare Short: At the conference in Tokyo in 2001 the international community pledged over US$4 billion to the reconstruction of Afghanistan over periods of 1–5 years. In the current financial year close to the $1.8 billion pledged at Tokyo for the current financial year has been disbursed to Afghanistan. This has been through a number of avenues, including the UN system, NGOs and the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). The money directed through the ARTF is available for the Afghan Transitional Administration to utilise as it chooses. To date the ARTF has received over US$200 million from donors.
	The international community is committed to the reconstruction of Afghanistan but at the same time it is important to continue to address the needs of the returning and returned refugees, the internally displaced people and those who continue to struggle to survive, particularly during the winter months. To this end many donors continue to provide both humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. The distinction between humanitarian and reconstruction projects is often undefined, with many humanitarian activities having longer-term reconstruction outcomes. In the current financial year DFID has provided £55 million to Afghanistan, £24 million of which has been for reconstruction purposes. The international community as a whole provided $1.067 billion of support to the UN Immediate and Transitional Assistance Programme.

Afghanistan

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's activities in relation to Afghanistan planned for the coming year.

Clare Short: In 2003 DFID will be continuing to work towards the Government's strategic aim of helping to create a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan that is once again able to become part of the community of nations, and that enjoys mature relations with its neighbours. The development challenge is considerable, and will require a sustained effort by the international community
	The balance of DFID's programme for Afghanistan will continue to move from short-term humanitarian support to a medium-term, more strategic approach in 2003. DFID is committed to working with the Afghan Transitional Authority and its international partners and is developing a strategy that will map DFID's engagement in Afghanistan over the next two years.

Afghanistan

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in the Zabul province of Afghanistan; and what action is being taken to ensure the security of those distributing aid in the province.

Clare Short: Zabul province is one of the poorest of Afghanistan's 32 provinces and is suffering from a prolonged drought. Several NGOs are delivering humanitarian relief in the province and have been doing so for some time. An extensive relief programme for the current winter is being provided in vulnerable parts of Afghanistan including Zabul. The UN reports that this is going well and is meeting humanitarian needs.
	Following a reported hijacking of one of their aid vehicles last week Oxfam has temporarily suspended its activities in Zabul until the security situation is reviewed.
	Security is a serious concern in all parts of Afghanistan. Addressing this remains a priority for the international community and the Transitional Authority.
	All NGOs in the province are determined to continue their activities in Zabul, however, and Oxfam have indicated that their project will continue after the security review.

Afghanistan

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's latest assessment is of the number of refugees that have returned to Afghanistan.

Clare Short: In 2002 nearly 1.8 million Afghan refugees returned home under the UNHCR assistance programme. In addition more than 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) went home with assistance and another 200,000 Afghans returned on their own. The return rate has declined during the winter months, with weekly returns of about 2,000 during December. This compares to a peak of over 100,000 a week in May.
	A further 1.2 million refugees and 300,000 IDPs are expected to return home in 2003. Despite the massive number of returns, some four million Afghans remain outside the country, including an estimated two million in Iran and 1.5 million in Pakistan.

Afghanistan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what (a) progress is being made in and (b) aid is being given to educating women in Afghanistan.

Clare Short: DfID helped in the rehabilitation of several schools, and during the past year, three million children, both boys and girls, have returned to school throughout Afghanistan. Since September 2001, we have also provided UNIFEM with £1 million of support to work with the Ministry of Women's Affairs on a national gender strategy for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid is being given to (a) democracy building, (b) women's advocacy organisations and (c) the Revolutionary Association for Women, in Afghanistan.

Clare Short: DfID has provided £0.5 million to support the emergency Loya Jirga, which elected the current Afghanistan Transitional Administration in July 2002. DfID has also offered to provide a further £1 million to the Constitutional Drafting Committee, in conjunction with other international donors. A number of donors have offered to support preparations for the election in 2004, although these plans are still at an early stage.
	DfID does not at present fund any specific women's groups in Afghanistan, although in 2001–02, DfID contributed £1 million to UNIFEM to develop a gender strategy with the Ministry of Women's Affairs. The joint Global Conflict Prevention Pool has also contributed £1 million to the Human Rights Commission. Addressing women's rights is an integral part of DfID's strategy in Afghanistan. For example, the needs of widows and households headed by women are accorded urgent priority by the World Food Programme, who DfID part fund.
	No funding has been directly allocated to the Revolutionary Association for Women.

Afghanistan

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what proportion of the pledged assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan has been received by the Afghan government;
	(2)  how much of the money received by the interim government of Afghanistan has been spent on projects other than humanitarian aid.

Clare Short: I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave her to question 90907, earlier today.

Water Shortages

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action was taken by the UK in 2002 to contribute to the prevention of water shortages for the world's population by 2025.

Clare Short: DFID recognises the key role that water plays in the reduction of poverty and is committed to assisting those in the developing world to assess and manage their water resources in a sustainable manner. Nearly two-thirds of the world's population will be living in countries of significant water stress by the year 2025. 1.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation. Strong commitments were made at the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development for Better Management of Water Resources and Improved Access to Drinking Water and Sanitation, and these must now be implemented.
	In 2002, my Department has continued to support a substantial number of on-going activities, which seek to contribute to the prevention of water shortages. Such shortages may be caused because insufficient water is available or because of a lack of infrastructure, poverty or pollution which mean that people cannot access the resource.
	The sustainability of the quality and quantity of water resources depends on the balance of agricultural, industrial and domestic uses and environmental needs against the prevailing hydrological conditions. DFID, with most other bilateral and multilateral organisations, is promoting integrated water resource management, which is the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources.
	My Department is supporting a number of global initiatives, including the Global Water Partnership; the International Hydrological Programme; the Dams for Development Unit of the World Commission on Dams; Water for Food and Nature Dialogue and the International Programme for Technology and Research in Irrigation and Drainage. My Department also supports initiatives for assessment and monitoring of the status of the world's water through the UNESCO-led World Water Assessment Programme and the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. Our Knowledge and Research Programme also supports a number of projects that aim to improve meteorological and hydrological assessment, collection, analysis and modelling for improved water resource assessments, as well as projects that investigate improvements in the efficiency of irrigation water use.
	There is an increasing possibility of conflicts over water becoming more common in regions of water stress. Equitable sharing of water between users at national and at local level has a significant contribution to make towards reducing conflict and promoting peace and security. The Nile Basin Initiative is a current example of an initiative being supported by the World bank, my Department and other donors, to manage competition for water equitably.

Africa Action Plan

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of Secretary of State for International Development, what progress the UK has made with implementing the G8 Africa Action Plan.

Clare Short: The UK is implementing all six areas of the G8 Africa Action Plan. UK implementation priorities are peace and security, trade, health, education, aid effectiveness and transparency in the extractive industry. A recent success was the agreement by the UK Working Group of a report setting out a framework to give Africa's poor access the medicines.

Aid (Points of Entry)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the principal points of entry are for international aid to (a) Zambia, (b) Malawi and (c) Zimbabwe.

Clare Short: WFP's logistical arrangements have been modified and adjusted as appropriate during the first six months of this emergency operation. The graph shows that the actual corridor use and the estimated use of corridors in the period July-December 2002. The shift, which can be attributed to the GMO and milling issues, has in particular affected the Beira corridor which was expected to supply Zambia and Zimbabwe in much higher quantities. The GMO issue demanded that an increased tonnage of non-GM cereals was purchased in Tanzania and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) whereas as a result of the need for milling of GM cereals, more cargo was routed through the RSA for milling prior to dispatch to Zimbabwe.
	
		WFP: Corridor use: planned, actual, expected
		
			  Percentage of total traffic  
			  Planned July-December 2002 Actual July-December 2002 Planned January-June 2003 
		
		
			 Dar-es-Salaam 11 8 14 
			 Nacala 4 2 6 
			 Beira 40 19 27 
			 Maputo 19 3 10 
			 Durban 25 24 27 
			 Regional purchase — 48 18 
		
	
	It is not realistic simply to extrapolate the actual use of the various corridors during the past six months in order to determine the logistics plan for the next six months. Due to the fact that the availability of non-GM cereals in the region is now limited, WFP will need to make future purchases on the international market and therefore cargo is expected to arrive through the originally planned points of entry. It should be noted that this shift to international purchases will negatively impact on the lead time for arrivals of cereals at the points of entry.
	As a result of the increased tonnages of non-GM cereals being purchased on a FCA basis in the RSA, the logistical set-up in Johannesburg had to be revamped when WFP became a major exporter of food commodities rather than an importer.

Angola

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what evidence has been collated by her Department on abuse of civilians by army personnel in the Cabinda enclave of Angola; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: Access to Cabinda is difficult and the UK government has been unable to assess the situation on the ground. However as part of its emergency response mandate in Angola, the UN is planning an inter-agency mission to the region at the end of this month. This is likely to include UNICEF, the World Food Programme and one of the UN protection agencies, as well as the Government of Angola. We expect that the mission will address the issue of human rights.

Angola

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in the distribution of food aid to inaccessible areas of Angola.

Clare Short: The UN has been able to provide food aid to an additional 1 million vulnerable Angolans since the ceasefire agreement last April. However, humanitarian agencies are still unable to reach many parts of the country because of mine infestation and poor road infrastructure. The World Food Programme (WFP) is to conduct airdrops of food aid to Angolans in inaccessible areas.
	Serious mine accidents have closed a number of roads. Re-opening them is a UN priority and the Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs has contributed US $460,000 from the Emergency Response Fund (ERF) to clear the mines from some of the main transport arteries used to deliver emergency supplies. My Department has allocated £500,000 to the ERF and a further £300,000 to UNDP for a project aimed at improving the effectiveness of mine action through strengthened co-ordination at the provincial level. The United Kingdom also contributed 19.7 per cent. of the 6 million euros which the EC has made available for mine action in Angola. This included 5 million euros to a variety of mine clearance agencies.
	A $6.9 million WFP Angola Special Operation (SO 10149.1) was recently approved to improve access to vulnerable populations and to reduce the cost of delivering humanitarian assistance. In addition to the £2 million my Department has contributed to WFP food aid in Angola, a further £750,000 has been provide for this special operation to enable WFP to lease all terrain trucks to deliver food aid. The first trucks have arrived in Mavinga where they are being used to deliver food to 70,000 Angolans in the two gathering areas outside the town.

Annual Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much producing her Department's latest Annual Report cost; how many copies were printed; how many copies of it were sold at its cover price; to whom copies of the report have been provided free of charge; and how many copies were provided free of charge.

Clare Short: The cost to my Department of producing our 2002 Annual Report was £61,236. The number of copies printed for DFID was 3,500. This excludes copies ordered by The Stationery Office Ltd. for sale to their customers (these costs are not charged to government). The number of copies sold by The Stationery Office at cover price was 421.
	DFID does not charge for copies of its Annual Report. By the end of 2002, 1,733 copies of the report had been provided free of charge to people within the following groups: Parliament; British Embassies and High Commissions; Churches and Faiths; International Development Organisations; DFID headquarters, overseas offices and delegations; Other Government Departments; Non Governmental Organisations; Libraries; University Research Institutes and other Development Academics; and individuals who requested them via the DFID website or public inquiry point.
	My Department also produced a summary version of the report at a total cost of £11,673. 15,000 copies of this summary were produced, of which 12,694 have been provided free of charge to people within the groups listed above.

Bangladesh

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the projects the UK is developing with the Bangladeshi Government in that country.

Clare Short: DFID is preparing its new Country Assistance Plan for Bangladesh which will be published in April 2003 and will give a detailed description of our future intentions.
	DFID is presently developing the following projects:
	
		
			 Project Amount (£ million) Description 
		
		
			 Chars development programme 50 Major livelihood programme for vulnerable communities living on the unstable sand islands in the Jamuna river 
			 Developing Business Services Market 9 To develop services to support private sector growth 
			 Financial Management Reform Programme 25 Programme co-funded with the Dutch to improve public expenditure management accounting and planning 
			 Health and Nutrition Sector Programme 75 Second phase of the health sector programme aimed at delivering essential health package to all poor people 
			 Support to National Arsenic Programme 5 To help the Government devise a comprehensive programme to mitigate the effects of arsenic in drinking water 
			 Disaster Management 7 A project co-funded with UNDP to improve Government systems for responding to disasters 
			 Support to State Owned Enterprise (SoE) closure 6 To meet redundancy costs of closing down loss making jute mills 
			 Primary Education Development Programme II 70 Introduction of a sectoral approach to improve the quality and access to primary education 
			 Rural Electrification Board 50 To increase electrification in rural areas 
			 Public Access to Justice Project 4 To introduce concept of community policing with Bangladesh Police Force 
			 Roads and Highways Institutional Development 12 To continue support reforms in the planning and implementation of road sector 
			 Trade Capacity building To be determined To support short and long term capacity for the Ministry of Commerce in international trade negotiations. Co-funded with EC

Brazil

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's contributions to poverty reduction in Brazil in the years (a) 2000, (b) 2001, and (c) 2002 was spent on water and sanitation projects; what assessment she has made of the privatisation of water and sewage treatment in Brazil; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: Around 4 per cent. of DFID's budget for Brazil was spent on water and sanitation projects in the financial years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. There was no expenditure in the financial year 2001–02 and none is planned for 2002–03. The EC programme in Brazil, to which DFID contributes 19 per cent. of the total, is not active in the sector.
	DFID has made no assessment of the privatisation of water and sewage treatment in Brazil, as this is not a priority area for DFID support.

Brazil

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's aid budget to Brazil is this year; and how much of that will go to water and sanitation projects.

Clare Short: DFID's budget for bilateral development co-operation with Brazil for the financial year 2002–03 is £8.7 million. None of that budget will be spent on water and sanitation projects. The EC programme in Brazil, to which DFID contributes 19 per cent. of the total, has no plans in the sector.
	The World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, of which DFID is a shareholder, currently have lending in the sector of over US$1 billion and US$2 billion respectively.

Brazil

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of water and sanitation provision in Brazil to (a) the rural population and (b) the urban population; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: None. In line with DFID's aim to focus our development effort in Brazil, we have agreed with the Government that the water and sewerage sector is not a priority area for DFID support.

Debt Relief

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to ensure that its additional debt relief beyond HIPC provides effective assistance in tackling poverty in indebted countries.

Clare Short: Before a country can qualify for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, it must produce an interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) at Decision Point, setting out what action it will take to develop a full PRSP. To reach Completion Point, the full PRSP must be in place, and under implementation for at least one year. The PRSP sets out the policy action governments are taking to reduce poverty and provide a budgetary framework not only for spending the savings from debt relief but also for allocating all other aid and government revenues that they have the greatest impact on poverty reduction. We believe strongly in the value of the PRSP process, which is leading to improved economic management and social reform. The additional bilateral debt relief provided by the UK goes towards these poverty reduction programmes. The UK is also aligning its development assistance programmes with the PRSPs.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the UN report on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo; what assessment she has made of the British companies named in the report; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: The latest UN Panel Report has provided a valuable further assessment of the illegal exploitation of resources in the DRC, but we and other members of the Security Council have asked for additional information on the specific claims made in the report. In particular we have asked for sight of the information corroborating the allegations made against British companies and nationals. Once this has been received we will take a view on what further action to pursue in relation to the allegations.

Departmental Expenditure (Newsprint)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the total expenditure of her Department was on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in 2002.

Clare Short: The Department no longer purchases newspapers, magazines and periodicals from a central budget, but full details of decentralised expenditure could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The central expenditure is shown in the table for the year 2002.
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Magazines and periodicals 99,041.12 
			 Newspapers 3,385.13 
			 Total cost 102,426.25

Running Costs

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the running costs of (a) the Department and (b) each of its sponsored agencies were in (i) 1997 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available.

Clare Short: Detailed information on administration costs for the Department for International Development, going back to 1998–99 and with projections to 2003–04, is set out in Table 6 of the 2002 departmental report (CM 5414). Data for years before 1998–99 are not available on the same basis. Final outturn figures for 2001–02 were published in DFID's Resource Accounts for 2001–02 (HC 48). Updated information, with plans to 2005–06, will be published in the 2003 departmental report in the spring.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the distribution of her Department's whole time equivalent staff was, including the staff in agencies and other bodies reporting to her, in each Government office region and nation of the UK (a) in 1996 and (b) at the most recent available period.

Clare Short: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office on 15 January (Official Report, column 609W).

Famine

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her estimate is of how many people are suffering from famine in (a) Zambia, (b) Malawi, (c) Zimbabwe and (d) other countries south of the Zambezi; and how much humanitarian aid was delivered to each country in 2002.

Clare Short: My estimate of how many people are suffering from famine is guided the by the Emergency Food Security Assessment Report prepared by the Southern Africa Development Community:
	Lesotho: 650,000 people (30 per cent. of the population) will require an estimated 36,000 tonnes of emergency cereal food assistance through to March 2003.
	Malawi: 3,300,000 people (29 per cent. of the population) will require an estimated 237,000 tonnes of emergency cereal food assistance through to March 2003.
	Mozambique: 590,000 people (3 per cent. of the population) will require an estimated 48,000 tonnes of emergency cereal food assistance through to March 2003.
	Swaziland: 270,000 people (24 per cent. of the population) will require an estimated 20,000 tonnes of emergency cereal food assistance through to March 2003.
	Zambia: 2,900,000 people (26 per cent. of the population) will require an estimated 224,000 tonnes of emergency cereal food assistance through to March 2003.
	Zimbabwe: 6,700,000 people (49 per cent. of the population) will require an estimated 486,000 tonnes of emergency cereal food assistance through to March 2003.
	Humanitarian aid is delivered through a co-ordinated approach and is best expressed by the following table:
	
		Donor contributions in response to the humanitarian crisis -- (Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, regional)£ million
		
			 Donor Contribution  
		
		
			 USA1 175.2 
			 EU-EC-ECHO(2) 112.7 
			 United Kingdom 87.2 
			 Sweden(2) 19.1 
			 Germany(2) 13.3 
			 Netherlands(2) 12.4 
			 Italy(2) 8.8 
			 Norway 8.4 
			 Japan 7.9 
			 Finland(2) 7.8 
			 Canada 5.5 
			 Denmark(2) 5.3 
			 Australia 4.9 
			 Ireland(2) 4.2 
			 Switzerland 3.1 
			 France(2) 1.9 
			 Belgium(2) 1.5 
			 Spain(2) 0.5 
			 Austria(2) 0.2 
			 Luxemburg(2) 0.2 
		
	
	(1) USAID Southern Africa Complex Food Security Crisis Situation Report 5 (FY 2003)
	(2) As reported through ECHO 14 point fax system 1 January– 19 December 2002 (Euro/GBP exchange rate Financial Times 11 December 2002: 0.64008)
	Source:
	Data from Reliefweb/USAID/EC

Famine (Zimbabwe)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her estimate is of how many people are suffering from famine in each province of Zimbabwe; what steps she is taking to ensure British aid supplies reach all areas of Zimbabwe; and if she will make a statement on the amount of British or British-supported food aid delivered to each province of that country in each month of 2002.

Clare Short: The SADC vulnerability assessment in September 2002 estimated that 6.7 million people are in need of food aid in Zimbabwe. By province and major urban areas, the numbers in need are as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Bulawayo 167,077 
			 Harare 395,566 
			 Manicaland 976,455 
			 Mashonaland Central 704,392 
			 Mashonaland East 779,671 
			 Mashonaland West 739,359 
			 Masvingo 977,783 
			 Matabeleland North 515,872 
			 Matabeleland South 418,251 
			 Midlands 975,155 
		
	
	The number in need was revised up by 500,000 in December, with the increase in Mashonaland, largely of former commercial farmworkers.
	DFID-funded assistance is provided through a number of partners focusing on the most vulnerable districts in Zimbabwe. However, to produce this data by province by month would involve a disproportionate effort. DFID's Zimbabwe staff are based in country and their efforts are focused on implementation and monitoring of our assistance.

Famine (Zimbabwe)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that humanitarian organisations can deliver aid in Zimbabwe without interference by the Government of that country; and of what interference she received reports in 2002.

Clare Short: It is a fundamental principle of the international community working in Zimbabwe and elsewhere that food aid is delivered on the basis of need
	alone, and is not politically determined.
	The EU has established guidelines to ensure food distribution in Zimbabwe is apolitical and transparent. Our bilateral feeding programmes through NGOs use the same criteria. The WFP also works through NGOs under an agreement with the Government of Zimbabwe that enshrines this principle.
	The UN and donors closely monitor events on the ground to ensure that principles and agreements are honoured. If obstruction does occur, we work closely in support of the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator and WFP in engaging with the GoZ to ensure the obstruction is dealt with and food distribution resumed as quickly as possible.
	Two major incidents of interference were reported during 2002; the obstruction of operations by Save the Children UK in Binga, and the seizure of WFP food in Insiza prior to a parliamentary by-election. Both issues were successfully resolved and feeding has now resumed.
	Some commentators have failed to distinguish between political bias in the distribution of food by the Government of Zimbabwe, which is widespread and the principles of distribution according to need which are being adhered to by the international community.

Food Aid

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the USA on food aid containing GM products and the provision of GM-free food aid; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: DFID officials have been in communication with USAID on these topics in the context of the humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa.
	Genetically modified varieties of maize and soya which are consumed by the US public, have also been provided as food aid by the USA for some time—one report suggests since 1995.
	The GM varieties concerned have been tested and approved for human consumption in the US and Europe. The FAO, WHO and WFP have all assured Southern African countries that the consumption of GM maize poses no risk to human health.

HIPC Initiative

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries her Department estimates will have unsustainable debt burdens after their completing the HIPC Initiative.

Clare Short: The main aim of the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative is to ensure that countries exit the HIPC process with sustainable levels of debt. The current framework of the initiative has the flexibility to provide, when appropriate, additional debt relief at completion point, so called "topping up", to countries whose debt sustainability outlook has changed due to exogenous factors since reaching their decision point. The UK is pressing the World bank and the IMF to widen their approach to topping up, so that any HIPC country facing unsustainable debts, that has demonstrated its commitment to poverty reduction and economic reform, should qualify for this additional relief. Debt relief alone, however, cannot guarantee future sustainability. This requires sound macroeconomic policies, strong growth and export bases, including access to markets of developed countries, access to adequate financing on highly concessional loan and grant terms, and prudent policies on new borrowing. The UK is co-financing a debt strategy project aimed at helping HIPC Governments to strengthen their debt management capacity.

HIPC Initiative

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries taking part in the heavily indebted poor countries initiative have reached completion point within the time scale established at their decision point.

Clare Short: Six countries have reached their completion point under the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative. Of these, five countries—Bolivia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda—reached their floating completion point either within the timescale assumed at decision point or between one and five months after the assumed date. Burkina Faso reached its completion point in April 2002—one year late. The reason for this was the delay in completing its PRSP, and the decision by the World bank and IMF to defer consideration of the completion point until spring 2002, in order to reassess the country's external debt position and to update the debt sustainability analysis. As a result of this delay, Burkina Faso became the first country to receive additional relief, so called, "topping up" at completion point, to enable it to exit the HIPC process with sustainable levels of debt.

HIPC Initiative

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent proposals her Department has made to (a) the World bank and (b) the IMF to reform the HIPC initiative.

Clare Short: The UK continues to play a leading role in the implementation of the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative, to ensure that as many countries as possible benefit from the enhanced framework. Following UK pressure, it was agreed that the World bank and the IMF would provide additional relief to countries that risk exiting the HIPC process with debts above the 150 per cent. debt/exports ratio. This was reconfirmed at the spring meetings in 2002, when Burkina Faso became the first country to benefit from "topping up". Although we welcome this change, it does not go far enough. The UK has proposed that, in calculating topping up, additional bilateral relief should be excluded from the calculations. We also want to see a more flexible interpretation of the rules, so that any HIPC country facing unsustainable debts, that has demonstrated its commitment to poverty reduction and economic reform, should qualify for this additional relief. The UK has also asked the bank and fund to come forward with proposals to promote the full participation of all creditors in the initiative, including technical assistance to HIPC countries facing legal challenges from non-participating creditors.

India

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the Indian Government on food aid containing GM products; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: None. My Department has had no discussions with the Government of India regarding the provision of food aid containing GM products. Neither the UK Government nor the EC are currently providing food aid to India. The World Food Programme (WFP) does provide non-GM food aid to India, which it sources in-country.

Iraq

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department will provide towards the UN appeal for basic readiness funding, in light of the possible war and subsequent humanitarian situation in Iraq.

Clare Short: My Department is not making funding available at this stage.

Iraq

Robert Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the UN has published a strategy for preparing for the humanitarian effects of hostilities against Iraq; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: The United Nations is undertaking inter-agency humanitarian preparedness and response planning for a variety of humanitarian contingencies in Iraq and neighbouring countries.

Job Sharing

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in her Department.

Clare Short: Our most recent figures show that 113 members of staff are working reduced hours. 18 of these are employed on official job-share contracts.
	Job-sharing is one of a number of alternative and flexible working patterns that are available to staff. A flexi-time system is also available to all staff. DFID is strongly committed to providing a working environment which values and nurtures a diverse workforce and has identified diversity and the need for work/life balance as one of its five core values.
	In support of this, we issued a booklet to all of our staff in 2002 which set out the various work patterns available within DFID, advice on how staff can access them and-for women-specific information about how they can plan their return to work after maternity leave.
	The flexibility of the pattern is decided in conjunction with line managers to suit individual needs and the needs of the Department.
	Anyone applying for a vacancy, either internally or externally, may do so on the basis of working in the job on a flexible working pattern although, in some instances, this is not possible owing to the nature of the work.

Kenya

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the Government's plans to assist the incoming Kenyan Government to tackle poverty and encourage economic regeneration.

Clare Short: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Dodds) earlier today.

Kenya

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what the Government's policy is towards assistance to Kenya as a result of the recent Kenyan elections;
	(2)  what the total UK public funding to Kenya was in each year since 1997;
	(3)  what plans there are for talks between the new government of Kenya and the UK Government; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: The UK is providing substantial bilateral assistance to Kenya, as illustrated in the table. In addition we provide support through our contributions to multilateral agencies including the European Commission. Following successful elections on 27 December, my officials based in Nairobi have already had discussions with the new Government on its plans to tackle corruption, revive the economy and reduce poverty, and on how the international community, including the UK, can best help. I expect to visit Kenya very soon to have face to face discussions with President Kibaki and his team.
	
		
			 UK Bilateral assistance to Kenya £million 
		
		
			 1997/8 30 
			 1998/9 42 
			 1999/00 33 
			 2000/01 62.7 
			 2001/02 35.8

Malawi Flooding

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the (a) numbers affected and (b) volume of crops destroyed by recent flooding in Malawi; what impact flooding has had on the distribution of food aid in Malawi; and what steps she is taking to assist those affected by the flooding.

Clare Short: In Malawi the Humanitarian Working Group of the National Food Security Task Force is now assessing the overall extent and impact of the recent floods. My Department is working with partners in this working group to develop an appropriate response. Although the floods caused some temporary disruption to humanitarian distribution work, where necessary the WFP NGO consortium has successfully developed alternative transportation routes.

Natural Resources Institute

Jonathan R Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department's solicitors will respond to the University of Greenwich regarding arrangements for a new underlease for the Natural Resources Institute buildings in Chatham Dockyard as set out in the university's letter of 24 April 2002; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: Neither my Department nor our solicitors have any record of receiving any such letter. The general issue of the lease on the premises at Chatham Dockyard has been the subject of long-term discussions. Our solicitors will be contacting those of the University of Greenwich shortly to arrange a meeting.

Official Travel

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 
	(1)  what the total budget of (a) her Department and (b) its agencies is for official travel in 2002–03;
	(2)  what the total expenditure of (a) her Department and (b) its agencies was on official travel in 2001–02.

Clare Short: holding answer 3 December 2002
	My Department does not hold a central budget for official travelling.
	Since 1999, the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Details of travel undertaken during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 was published on 24 July 2002, Official Report, columns 1374–75W. The cost of Ministers' visits overseas for 2002–03 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House.
	All travel is undertaken fully in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

Peru

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what schemes her Department supports in Peru.

Clare Short: DfID's new draft Country Assistance Plan for Peru is currently being finalised after extensive consultation (the consultation draft is available on the DfID website). The overall objective of the Plan is to contribute to reducing poverty in Peru by 50 per cent. by 2015. We aim to do this by promoting the development of an inclusive society, which is responsive to the rights of the poor and excluded. The Plan focuses on three outcomes: promoting social inclusion, Government working for the poor and economic opportunities for the poor. To achieve these outcomes, we work closely with Peruvian organisations—both the Government and broader society—and the major multilateral development agencies, to improve the effectiveness of national policies, programmes and international assistance.
	DfID has a £3.7 million programme in Peru for 2002–03. The UK also funds about 19 per cent. of the EC development programme, and is a 5 per cent. shareholder in the World bank and 1 per cent. shareholder in the IDB.

Peru

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the objectives of the 'Improving Health of the Poor: A Rights Based Approach' programme in Peru.

Clare Short: The proposed 'Improving Health of the Poor: A Rights Based Approach' programme in Peru has been designed to promote poor and excluded peoples rights to access health care, strengthen the relationships between health service providers and Peruvian citizens and to facilitate greater responsiveness to the needs of the poor within the health sector. The project would support the work of the Ministry of Health, the Ombudsman's office and civil society and has a number of components. The objectives are to: (i) improve public health service policies and institutions to protect and promote the right to health of poor and excluded communities in Peru; (ii) facilitate, with citizens and health care providers, the implementation of participatory mechanisms for the planning, provision and evaluation of health services and (iii) promote the uptake of lessons learned in the programme by the multilateral development organisations working in Peru.

Peru

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid is provided (a) to encourage and (b) to finance abortions in Peru; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: None. My Department considers support for activities to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of abortion services where this is legal in the country concerned, and where it is available as a matter of individual choice. In all situations, as we have done in Peru between 1997 and 2002, DfID will consider support for measures to improve access to effective and high quality post-abortion care to deal with the complication of spontaneous or induced abortion.

Rwanda

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate her Department has made of the revenues of the Congo Desk of the Rwandan Patriotic Army and Rwanda's national budget; and what impact this has had on development aid to the Rwandan Government.

Clare Short: We have made no such assessment. The Rwandan national budget is regularly assessed by the IMF which has reported positively on improvements in the effectiveness and transparency of budget management by the Rwandan Government, and has confirmed it has found no evidence of significant off-budget receipts or expenditure. There is no evidence in the national budget of receipts from the Congo Desk of the RPA. Development aid remains vital to support efforts to eradicate poverty and establish long-term stability in Rwanda following the 1994 genocide. We will continue to support the Government in implementing their poverty reduction strategy within a framework of good governance and respect for human rights.

Sexual Reproductive Health

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the organisations her Department works with which specialise in sexual reproductive health; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: My Department works with a large number of sexual and reproductive health organisations in developing and developed countries. Information is not held centrally on all of these organisations, and to collate the information would incur disproportionate cost. However, a key element of DfID assistance for sexual and reproductive health programmes is that it is provided in support of the principles of free and informed choice set out at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo in 1994.

Statutory Instruments

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many Statutory Instruments subject to negative procedure made by her Department (a) came into force and (b) were considered by a delegated legislation committee in each of the last three Sessions.

Clare Short: Over the last three Sessions the Department for International Development has made one Statutory Instrument which was subject to negative procedure. It was not considered by a delegated legislation committee.
	2002/1408: International Development Act 2002 (Commencement) Order 2002.

Trade Liberalisation

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to assist developing countries to carry out impact assessments on the effects of trade liberalisation agreements, broken down by country.

Clare Short: DFID supports a variety of trade related technical cooperation programmes which are designed to help developing countries participate more effectively in trade negotiations and to take advantage of trade opportunities. A number of these programmes include consultancy or study funds which can be used to undertake impact assessments or to secure advice on trade liberalisation issues. Particular examples include:
	a study of the economic effects of EU bilateral trade agreements with developing countries, which includes case studies on South Africa, Egypt, Mexico, Chile, Turkey and the MERCOSUR Common Market;
	a study on the possible effects of changes in the EU Sugar Regime on African, Caribbean and Pacific sugar exporting countries;
	the Integrated Framework Trust Fund for least developed countries (LDC), which is also supported by multilateral and other bilateral donors, has helped LDCs to mainstream trade issues into national poverty reduction strategies. Support has so far been provided to Cambodia, Madagascar and Mauritania;
	Malawi Trade and Poverty Programme, which helps to build capacity in Malawian institutions to formulate, negotiate and implement trade reform strategies that are inclusive and pro-poor; and
	Trade Policy Development Project (with the World bank). This has included a broad range of trade related policy and impact studies, such as on the cashmere sector in Mongolia, trade and foreign exchange policies in Iran, the impact of WTO accession on the Russian telecommunications sector, trade facilitation and standards reform in the Asia Pacific region, and the linkages between regional trade policies and economic integration in south Asia and south eastern Europe.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her latest estimate is of the productivity of the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe.

Clare Short: Official figures for agricultural production are not issued in Zimbabwe until late February following the national assessment. Preliminary figures indicate that the area planted to maize, the staple crop this year is larger than last. However widespread shortages of tillage, seed and fertilisers will suppress yields. Early planted crops in some areas wilted and had to be replanted. The condition of the maize in the main growing areas is reported to be average. Providing the rains continue then Zimbabwe is expected to produce between 850 000 to 1.0 million tonnes, an improvement over 2002 but only 60 per cent. of its annual maize requirement.
	No figures have been released for the late 2002 wheat harvest but a figure of 160,000t is being used which was 50 per cent. less than the previous year. This year's wheat crop will be planted in July as usual.
	The harvesting of flue-cured Virginia tobacco, the main foreign exchange earner for Zimbabwe, is just starting. The main producer group is forecasting a total crop of 80 million kilogrammes, considerably lower than the 165 million kg in 2002 and the 202 million kg produced in 2001.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Prisoner Conveyances

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency and value for money of private firms who deliver prisoners to court.

Hilary Benn: The contracting out of prisoner escort arrangements has offered better value for money, a reduction in escapes and has freed up prison officers to concentrate on their main duties. A recent Prison Service review confirmed that escorts should continue to be contracted out, and the existing contracts, which are planned to be re-let in 2004, will be replaced with more flexible ones to allow the Prison Service to respond more effectively to business needs and population.

Drugs

Martyn Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to support communities in the fight against drugs.

Bob Ainsworth: The new communities target was simplified to focus it on what matters most—reducing drug related crime. The target is to reduce drug related crime, as measured by the proportion of offenders testing positive at arrest.
	Additionally we have invested through the Community Against Drugs fund to empower local people to take action on local problems.

Police Resource Allocation

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with representatives of local constabularies about the allocation of police resources used in the investigation of crime.

John Denham: Home Office Ministers and officials have regular discussions on a wide range of police resourcing issues with representatives of the police service.

Police (Gwent)

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police numbers in Gwent.

Hilary Benn: On 31 March 2002 Gwent police had 1,333 officers, a record number. Gwent was allocated 81 recruits from the Crime Fighting Fund for the three years to March 2003.
	The provisional grant settlement for 2003–04 provides Gwent with an additional £40,000 from the Crime Fighting Fund for further additional officers. We estimate that this will allow a strength increase of up to seven officers by the end of 2003–04.

Gun Crime

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress his Department is making in tackling gun crime.

Bob Ainsworth: While the overall proportion of crime involving firearms is low the increase in gun crime in the year 2001–02 is unacceptable and is being tackled vigorously. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has announced:
	a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for illegal possession of a firearm;
	a new offence of carrying replica firearms or air weapons in a public place without reasonable excuse; and
	an amnesty to get many guns off our streets which may otherwise be used in crime.

EU Drugs Policy

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are to implement a common drugs policy throughout the European Union.

Bob Ainsworth: European Union member states, including the UK, develop national drug strategies, identifying national priorities and developing national solutions. The fight against drugs is complemented and co-ordinated by a range of EU-wide action. The EU Drugs Strategy 2000–04 guides this action and is practically implemented by means of the EU Action Plan on Drugs. These common measures aim to co-ordinate, complement and add value to action by member states.

Youth Crime

Ann Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what international evidence he has taken into consideration in developing policies to tackle youth crime.

John Denham: To help inform our approach to youth crime, we hosted an international youth crime seminar involving leading academics, practitioners and policy makers, in October 2002. A clear message from the seminar was that early prevention programmes, such as Sure Start, and tailored services for children and young people, are more likely to have a substantial impact in preventing the onset of offending behaviour and other adverse outcomes.

Child Murderers

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Lord Chancellor's Department regarding prosecutions for child murderers involving joint enterprise.

Hilary Benn: There is regular contact with the Lord Chancellor's Department about a range of issues. This includes the difficult and important question of what we might do to improve the chances of successful prosecutions for the death or serious injury of children where it is clear that the injuries inflicted were caused by one or other parent, but there is no evidence as to which was responsible. Although some measures already contained in the current Criminal Justice Bill, such as those about admissibility of hearsay and evidence of previous misconduct, will help in this respect. We are considering a number of other possibilities with a view to legislation at the earliest possible opportunity.

Asylum Seekers

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the consultation period is for the siting of reception centres for refugees and asylum seekers.

Beverley Hughes: At the point where The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) expresses an interest in a particular property or location, and where there is no change of use, local authorities are given two weeks to provide NASS with any concerns they have regarding the potential use of the accommodation as some form of housing for asylum seekers. Where a change in use is required, as in the case of accommodation centres, local authorities have been given eight weeks to respond. However, it is clear that, in those instances when NASS intends to proceed with a contract, consultation and dialogue should continue beyond these minimum periods, and I have ensured that in future this will be the case.

TRANSPORT

Counter-pollution Practices

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the United Kingdom's coastal waters counter-pollution practices were last reviewed.

David Jamieson: In January 2000, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) published the "National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations" (NCP), which set out revised command and control procedures for the response to shipping incidents in the UK counter pollution zone following the experiences gained during SEA EMPRESS incident and from the recommendations in Lord Donaldson's review of salvage and intervention and their command and control. The MCA uses regular exercises to test the NCP.

Oil and Chemical Spills

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many permanently equipped vessels are available in the United Kingdom to tackle (a) oil, (b) chemical and (c) diesel spillages at sea; and where they are stationed;
	(2)  how many anti-pollution vessels there are to deal with (a) chemical and (b) oil spills within five hours sailing time of Lyme Bay;
	(3)  what emergency plans are in place to deal with chemical spillages that may occur off the United Kingdom coast; and what defences are in place to prevent such incidents;
	(4)  how many incidents of (a) chemical, (b) oil and (c) diesel spillage have occurred in United Kingdom waters since 1997.

David Jamieson: Counter pollution operations at sea are best dealt with through the aerial spraying of dispersants. However, ships with a counter pollution capability to support the recovery of spillages can be resourced from commercial shipping companies, oil spill response organisations and ports. The numbers and locations will vary depending on the primary role of these ships. In Lyme Bay, for instance, craft with a counter pollution capability may be available in the ports of Plymouth, Poole, Weymouth or Portland, but there are no ships solely dedicated for that purpose. The Government has substantial counter pollution stockpiles with mechanical recovery resources to assist in the collection of marine pollution from the sea.
	Companies and shippers involved in the carriage of hazardous chemicals have plans and equipment for dealing with emergencies whilst the substances are in transit. If an incident escalates expertise and facilities from relevant industries and the MCA are available. The MCA's main response would utilise the specialist chemical equipment in the UK's 'at sea' stockpile and its contracted chemical strike team, who provide both manpower and advice. The UK's National Contingency Plan and the Secretary of States Representative's (SOSREP) powers extend to chemical incidents.
	The MCA annually commissions a report on the different types of marine pollution in the waters around the British Isles from the Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea (ACOPS). In the ACOPS Report the type of pollutant has been classified since 2000 into mineral oils, chemicals, garbage, vegetable/animal oils and other substances. Oil and diesel are categorised into the same group. Before 2000 the ACOPS report did not include this level of detail.
	The figures from the ACOPS report since 1997 for spillages in UK waters are as follows:
	
		
			 Year Nos. of pollution incidents Incidents where source could be identified (percentage) Incidents from offshore oil and gas installations Mineral Oils (percentage) Chemicals (percentage) Garbage (percentage) Vegetable/animal oils (percentage) Other substances (percentage) 
		
		
			 2001 678 87 419 95.5 1.3 0.4 0.3 2.4 
			 2000 743 88 456 95 0.7 0.5 0.4 3 
		
	
	
		
			 Year Nos. of pollution incidents Incidents where source could be identified Incidents from offshore oil and gas installations Incidents where an estimate of the quantity of oil was reported Incidents where 100 gallons or more were spilled 
		
		
			 2001 678 614 419 544 67 
			 2000 743 627 456 543 77 
			 1999 747 748 382 541 69 
			 1998 801 609 359 613 87 
			 1997 723 578 351 553 100

Oil and Chemical Spills

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what specific funding is available to coastal local authorities for counter-pollution measures and clean-up operations for (a) oil, (b) diesel and (c) other spillages at sea;
	(2)  what steps he has taken to train (a) local authority staff and (b) staff of other interested organisations, in the management, containment and clearance of (i) oil, (ii) chemical and (iii) diesel spillages at sea.

David Jamieson: My Department does not make any specific funding available to coastal local authorities for counter-pollution measures. However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) provides accredited training courses for the maritime local authorities to prepare them for such operations. These courses are primarily based on a response to oil pollution, but the response issues covered are also pertinent to chemical spills. The MCA runs two specific areas of training for local authorities:
	Oil Pollution, Contingency Planning and Response
	A residential training course (five days) for local authority management staff involved in contingency planning and oil spill response. This is run four times a year at locations around the UK, including the MCA's Training Centre in Dorset.
	Oil Pollution Response
	A two day hands-on training course in counter pollution response for local authority staff, who would expect to be involved in supervising beach clean-up operations and protective booming operations. These are run eight times a year at locations hosted by maritime local authorities.
	In the last 24 months the MCA have trained over 150 people on the oil pollution, contingency planning and response courses. The MCA have also run two day hands- on training courses for councils in the following areas since the summer of 2000: Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Hampshire, West Sussex, Cumbria, Somerset, Argyll and Bute, Fife, Kent, Pembrokeshire, Cornwall, Essex, Teeside, Highland and South Wales. Before April 2002 courses will also be run in Inverclyde, North East Scotland, North Devon, Humberside, the Isle of Wight and Dorset.
	Additionally, the MCA runs a series of decision making in oil spill response courses for the statutory nature conservation bodies, the environmental regulators, the Government Fisheries Departments and the public health authorities in the UK. These are designed to brief, train and prepare the staff of these agencies for their role in the multi-agency response to a pollution incident from shipping. The MCA have run nine of these courses since the beginning of 2000. The MCA also offer 24 hour incident response advice and support to local authorities and maintain a large stockpile of shoreline clean-up equipment at Southampton and Inverness that can be mobilised to an incident if required. The MCA has published a large range of scientific, technical and operational notices to provide guidance for local authorities on a wide range of response issues.

Taxis (Disabled Access)

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what decisions he has taken regarding the making of regulations to provide for access to taxis by disabled people.

David Jamieson: We are still considering the options for implementing the Taxi Accessibility Regulations. We need to ensure that the costs of requiring accessibility do not have a major detrimental impact on the viability of the taxi trade in some parts of the country. We have been in discussion with the trade, with manufacturers and with our statutory disability advisers, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC). I will make a statement once we have arrived at what we believe to be a workable way forward.

Air Transport (Scotland)

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the Future Development of Air Transport-Scotland consultation documents were (a) sent out and (b) downloaded from the Department of Transport website by 10 January 2003; and how many responses have been received.

David Jamieson: Estimates of Scottish consultation documents dispatched and downloaded from the web site as of the 10 January 2003 are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Dispatched Downloaded from the Web Site 
		
		
			 Main and Summary Documents 13,149 30,738 
			 Questionnaires 6,704 640 
		
	
	As of the 10 January 2003, we have received approximately 350 letters and e-mails and 882 questionnaires for the Scottish region.

Air Travel Organisers Licensing Regulations

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on changes to the law affecting Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL); and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: My Department has received one letter on behalf of a travel agent. However, the CAA in response to its consultation paper ("Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the ATOL Regulations") received over 90 replies.

Air Travel Organisers Licensing Regulations

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend ATOL Regulations to cover firms who sell package holidays by air under separate contracts; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Government are planning to introduce an early amendment to the ATOL Regulations to cover firms who sell package holidays by air under separate contracts.

Air Travel Organisers Licensing Regulations

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the protection of individual airline passengers against schedule airline failure from whom they have bought accommodation from a listed supplier; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: My Department has received no representations concerning the protection of individual airline passengers. However we have received representations from a number of travel organisers who assert that scheduled airlines that offer accommodation via linked websites ought to be obliged to comply with the ATOL Regulations.

Air Travel Trust Fund

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will introduce legislation to increase the Air Travel Trust Fund; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: A draft Bill to secure the necessary powers to impose a levy will be introduced as soon as a suitable legislative opportunity arises.

Annual Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much producing his Department's latest Annual Report cost; how many copies were printed; how many copies of it were sold at its cover price; to whom copies of the report have been provided free of charge; and how many copies were provided free of charge.

David Jamieson: The latest annual report for the Department for Transport was the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) Annual Report 2002.
	The DTLR Annual Report was published in June 2002 at a cost of £37,761.14. This figure represents the cost to the Department for the design, production and printing of 600 copies. Other costs of printing and publication were met by the publisher, The Stationery Office Limited (TSO). These 600 copies were distributed free of charge to members of the Transport, Local Government and the Regions Committee, various stakeholder groups and internally to officials within the Department. Copies were also laid before Parliament.
	The Stationery Office Limited (TSO) can provide definitive numbers of the total number of copies printed and sold at the cover price.

British Transport Police

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British Transport Police there were in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The British Transport Police have provided me with the following information:
	
		
			  Police officers Support staff 
		
		
			 2002 2,123 644 
			 2001 2,109 565 
			 2000 2,091 523 
			 1999 2,113 524 
			 1998 2,095 492 
			 1997 2,132 461 
			 1996 2,165 468 
			 1995 2,147 410 
			 1994 2,155 406 
			 1993 2,114 373

Coach Accidents

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many passenger (a) injuries and (b) fatalities were recorded for accidents involving coaches in each year since 1991.

David Jamieson: Figures for coaches alone are not available, the table shows the number of bus or coach passenger casualties from accidents involving a bus/coach in each year since 1991:
	
		Bus/coach passenger casualties in accidents involving at least one bus/coach: GB 1991–2001
		
			  Casualties  
			  Killed Injured All 
		
		
			 1991 25 8,197 8,222 
			 1992 16 8,413 8,429 
			 1993 32 8,637 8,669 
			 1994 20 9,331 9,351 
			 1995 34 8,510 8,544 
			 1996 10 8,528 8,538 
			 1997 12 8,594 8,606 
			 1998 17 8,915 8,932 
			 1999 11 9,333 9,344 
			 2000 14 9,050 9,064 
			 2001 10 8,882 8,892

Congestion Charging

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many letters were received by his Department on the proposed policy of the Mayor of London to introduce congestion charges in London; and what percentage of the letters (a) supported the proposal and (b) opposed it.

David Jamieson: Between May 2000 and 15 January 2003 we had received 154 letters. Approximately 5 per cent. supported the proposal and 95 per cent. opposed it.

Running Costs

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the running costs of (a) the Department and (b) each of its sponsored agencies were in (i) 1997 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available.

David Jamieson: Detailed information on administration costs for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and its transport related agencies, going back to 1998–99 and with projections to 2003–04, is set out in Table A5 of the 2002 departmental report Cm 5405. Data for years before 1998–99 are not available on the same basis. Provisional outturn for gross and net administration costs limits were published in Public Expenditure 2001–02 Provisional Outturn (Cm 5574), Tables 4 and 5. Updated information, with plans to 2005–06, will be published in the 2003 departmental report in the spring.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many documents were sent to DVLA as proof of identity in the last year for which information is available; and how many are known not to have been returned to their owners or holders.

David Jamieson: In the financial year 2001–02 DVLA returned 3.9 million identity documents to customers. In the same year the Agency met 2,704 compensation claims from customers whose documents were not delivered (0.07 per cent. of cases where identity documents were sent to DVLA). 5.9 million photocard driving licences were issued in the same period.

Driving Licences (Vision Tests)

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many driving licences were withdrawn between July 2001 and December 2002, due to people failing a field of vision test.

David Jamieson: Around 2,000 drivers have had their licences withdrawn or applications refused in this period, due to a failure to satisfy the visual field standard for driving.

Foreign Commercial Vehicles

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the effectiveness of measures to ensure that foreign commercial vehicles driving on British roads are properly insured.

David Jamieson: Both UK and European law require any vehicle, including commercial vehicles, to be covered by compulsory insurance when they are used on our roads. Foreign vehicles are subject to the same random checks as UK vehicles and if one were found to be uninsured, its user would be subject to the same fines as any UK motorist.

Liquid Petroleum Gas

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road vehicles which run on liquid petroleum gas fuel were in use in each year since 1999.

David Jamieson: DVLA statistics do not provide a breakdown by fuel type, only vehicles that are dedicated gas or petrol/gas combinations. The following table shows the number of vehicles that are dedicated gas or petrol/gas combination. DVLA statistics also do not distinguish between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Natural Gas vehicles.
	
		
			  Number of gas or bi-fuel vehicles 
		
		
			 1999 17,010 
			 2000 23,968 
			 2001 29,968 
		
	
	But this understates the number of vehicles because not all conversions to alternative fuelling are notified to DVLA.
	The Energy Saving Trust estimate that there is around 75,000 LPG vehicles currently in the UK. Motorists are converting to LPG at an increasing rate, with the number expected to increase by about 25,000 per year over the next two years, prompted by the Government grants available, and the fact that low-cost LPG fuel is now available in all areas of the country.

London Underground

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on how figures for attributable delays on the London Underground are to be used as (a) a performance measure for the PPP and (b) a basis for payments to the consortium; and who will evaluate the figures.

David Jamieson: Under the PPP, the payments received by the Infrastructure Companies vary according to their performance. One of the key factors in determining performance is "Lost Customer Hours"—the time wasted by delays and the basic measure of Underground reliability.
	The methodology for assessing and attributing delays, and calculating payments to the Infrastructure Companies has been working since September 1999. It is explained in detail in the PPP contracts, which will be published once financial close has been achieved on all three deals.

M25

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 17 December 2002, Official Report, column 684W, on the M25, if he will place in the Library a copy of the full report on the initial assessment by the Transport Research Laboratory of the Controlled Motorway Project on the M25 between junctions 10 and 15.

David Jamieson: A report of the initial assessment of the M25 Controlled Motorways Project will be placed in the Libraries of the House in due course.

Marinair

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guarantees he has received from the promoters of Marinair that they (a) have secured and (b) are likely to secure the funding necessary to complete the proposed Marinair airport.

David Jamieson: The Thames Estuary Airport Company Limited (TEACO) response to "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom (South East)" included a statement about the availability of funding, but this was conditional, not guaranteed.
	We will make publicly available in due course all responses to the consultation, except those marked confidential. In the mean time publication is a matter for the authors.

Metropolitan Police

John Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom the Metropolitan Police must apply to close a road for (a) a period of seven days and (b) a period of more than seven days; and for how many consecutive periods of seven days the Metropolitan Police may close a road.

John Spellar: I have been asked to reply.
	It is open to the Metropolitan Police to apply to the local traffic authority for a temporary road closure order under Section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended by the Road Traffic (Temporary Restrictions) Act 1991). The traffic authority may grant an order for a period up to 18 months. The duration of an order may be extended with the agreement of the Secretary of State for a period of up to six months.

New Communities (Thames Gateway)

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the extra resources required to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway area; what discussions he has had with other Government Departments in relation to supporting the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway; and what resources he has allocated to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway.

David Jamieson: My right hon. Friend and noble, the Minister for Housing and Planning (Lord Rooker) chairs the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership, whose membership comprises Ministers from five Government Departments (ODPM, DfT, DFES, DTI and DoH) three Regional Development Agencies, three Regional Assemblies and three sub-regional partnerships (East London, North Kent and South Essex).
	The Partnership is now looking at new means of accelerating the regeneration and development of the Gateway.
	Thames Gateway development and regeneration is being supported by investment from various Government funding streams and through regional public agencies (for example the RDAs).

Night Flights

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish a consultation paper on night flights serving London's airports.

David Jamieson: We are currently considering an orderly timetable for this and other environmental consultations, in the light of the decision announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to extend the consultation on "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East" Official Report, 28 November 2002, columns 474–75. We intend to publish shortly a consultation paper on night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.

Rail Subsidies

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much subsidy has been paid to (a) rail freight operations and (b) passenger train operating companies in each year since 1997.

David Jamieson: The table provides the amounts paid in freight Track Access Grants. Details of the subsidy paid to each train operating company, in each year, are set out in the Strategic Rail Authority's annual report, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 21.3 
			 1998–99 19.3 
			 1999–2000 17.2 
			 2000–01 13.9 
			 2001–02 19.9

Road Traffic Accidents

Michael Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents involved buses and coaches in each year since 1991.

David Jamieson: The table shows the number of accidents resulting in a fatality or injury involving a bus or coach in each year since 1991.
	
		Accidents involving bus/coach, by severity: GB 1991–2001
		
			  All 
		
		
			 1991 11,235 
			 1992 11,064 
			 1993 10,747 
			 1994 11,186 
			 1995 10,822 
			 1996 10,988 
			 1997 11,051 
			 1998 11,585 
			 1999 11,735 
			 2000 11,524 
			 2001 11,334

Roskill Committee

Peter Lilley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has carried out a comparison of forecasts made by the Roskill Committee of (a) air travel, (b) plane movements and (c) runway use with actual outcomes since that time.

John Spellar: The 1971 Roskill report (page 191) projected 123 million passengers at Heathrow, Gatwick, and a third London airport in 1991 and 260 million passengers in 2006. Over the period 1969 to 2006, traffic was projected in Roskill to grow over 15 fold. (Forecasts were presented in terms of passengers, rather than air traffic movements and runway utilisation.) Actual passengers through all London airports in 1991, the year before the Gulf war, was 62.8 million passengers (69.5 million passengers in 1992). In 2000, the corresponding actual figure was 117 million passengers. Our consultation documents report an unconstrained forecast of 301 million passengers in 2030, ie a 2.6 fold increase over 2000.
	The Roskill report forecasts are one of a number of projections of air traffic growth. Since the early 1970s traffic growth has fallen as the industry has matured. More recent forecasts produced by the Department in the 1990s have tended to under-
	estimate future traffic growth.

Teleworking

Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the effects of teleworking on (a) current and (b) future transport needs.

David Jamieson: The information is as follows:
	(a) The National Travel Survey suggests that around 7 per cent. of all workers currently work from home at least once in a typical week. But about half of these are
	people whose paid job is only carried out at their home, and it is not clear how much of a role is played by communications technology.
	Taking the 3 per cent. of workers who travel to work sometimes and work at home sometimes as being representative of teleworkers, it appears that they make
	roughly half the number of commuting journeys of non-teleworkers. But that they make around 5 per cent. more trips overall.
	The Department will continue to monitor travel behaviour, and will analyse the data in more detail once a larger sample of responses has been accumulated.
	(b) A number of the multi-modal studies being carried out have considered "soft" policies such as encouragement of teleworking as potential methods of reducing travel demand. The Secretary of State is aware of a number of research studies which have estimated the likely future impact of increased teleworking, but there is no clear overall picture which emerges. One research study, currently subject to peer review, suggests that teleworking might reduce car commuting by of the
	order of 5 per cent. by 2015, but there is considerable uncertainty involved in any such estimate.

Thameslink 2000

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the Thameslink 2000 project.

David Jamieson: Planning and associated applications are currently before the Deputy Prime Minister.

Transport Research Laboratory

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements he is making to ensure that the Transport Research Laboratory continues to provide crash testing facilities for wheelchairs.

David Jamieson: We understand that TRL are to cease the routine product testing of wheelchairs and associated equipment to concentrate resources on their core research businesses. The Department is aware of the importance of this dynamic testing service, and TRL has recently completed an extensive programme of research for my Department on the safety of wheelchair users who travel as passengers in vehicles. Equipment manufacturers also use such test facilities for product development and to provide evidence in support of applications for CE marking.
	TRL was privatised in 1996 and now forms part of the Transport Research Foundation group of companies providing impartial transport research and advice. Although it is disappointing that TRL has chosen to withdraw from this market, we are unable to influence the work that they choose to do or the services that they offer. Other test houses in the UK have dynamic test equipment and are able to offer this service.

Young Persons Discount Card

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has held with (a) train operating companies and (b) London Transport on the introduction of a combined young persons discount card; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: The Strategic Rail Authority has recently completed a consultation exercise on railway fares policy following publication of their consultation document "Future Fares Policy-Seeking Your Views". Fares integration with other modes of transport in the London area is addressed in the consultation document. The SRA is now considering the comments received from the consultation exercise and will shortly be advising Ministers on the outcome.

TREASURY

Retirement

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the research was, referred to in the green paper Simplicity, security and choice: Working and saving for retirement, that found that the 401k schemes in the USA have been successful in raising pension saving amongst the low paid.

Ruth Kelly: There is an ongoing body of research on 401k pension schemes in the US. Studies that have looked at the effect of 401 kschemes on the low paid, for example, Engen, E and Gale, W (2000J, The Effects of 401 (k) Plans on Household Wealth: Differences Across Earnings Groups, NBER Working Paper 8032, (http://papers.nber.org/papers/w8032.pdf) suggest that 401 ks have been successful in raising pension saving among lower earners.

Annual Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many copies of his Department's latest annual report were printed; to whom copies of the report were provided free of charge; and how many copies were provided free of charge.

Ruth Kelly: Publication of HM Treasury's Autumn Performance Report (Cm 5665, published 6 December 2002) was handled by The Stationary Office Limited (TSO). 190 copies were produced for HM Treasury's own internal purposes and 310 copies have been sold by TSO to date.

Departmental Minutes

Alex Salmond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many departmental minutes issued by his Department were outstanding on 30th November that referred to public private partnerships as included in Table B14 of the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts; and what their value was.

Paul Boateng: holding answer 13 January 2003
	No departmental minutes related to public private partnerships are outstanding in respect of liabilities charged to the Treasury's resource estimate shown in table B14 of the latest published Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts.

Equitable Life

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information relating to the transfer out of Equitable Life by the PIA's pension scheme in 1998 was available to the Treasury at the time the transfer took place.

Ruth Kelly: None.

Financial Advice Centres

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will make it his policy to set up a national network of free or affordable financial advice centres;
	(2)  what plans he has to increase consumer awareness about sources of unbiased financial advice.

Ruth Kelly: It is important that everyone should have access to appropriate financial education, information and generic advice to understand his or her options, as well as having access to regulated product specific advice where appropriate.
	We have noted the proposals for a new network to provide financial education, information and generic advice, with interest. Many organisations are already involved in the provision of those forms of help, such as adviser and product provider firms, trade associations and Government and regulators. A wide range of charitable and voluntary sector organisations are also active in providing individuals with help on their finances, including Citizens Advice, Citizens Advice Scotland, National Debtline, and other money advice, information and advice organisations.
	The Financial Services Authority (the FSA) has a statutory objective to promote public understanding of the financial system.
	I welcome the work the FSA is undertaking to look at the feasibility of a new tool to help deliver consistent, high quality, interactive generic help for those who need it. We also welcome the work the FSA will be doing to develop a more general strategy for consumer education, information and advice. We understand they plan to consult on this in the summer of 2003.
	The FSA already offer a great deal of help, for example through publishing a guide to financial advice which gives contact details for commercial advisers, trade associations, government, and charitable and voluntary organisations, as well as already providing specific help with many financial products and services, such as pensions, annuities, bank accounts and ISAs.

Financial Services Authority (Pension Scheme)

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  who the trustees are of the pension scheme of the Financial Services Authority; who the trustees were in 1998; who the trustees were of the pension scheme of the Personal Investment Authority in 1998; and what the role of the trustees is in relation to the (a) FSA and (b) other Government and regulatory bodies;
	(2)  how many members of the pension scheme of the Personal Investment Authority paid additional voluntary contributions to Equitable Life in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000;
	(3)  if the trustees of the Personal Investment Authority pension scheme in 1998 had access to internal assessments undertaken by (a) the Government Actuaries' Department and (b) other regulatory and Government bodies, in relation to the viability of Equitable Life;
	(4)  what the aggregate amount was of additional voluntary contributions paid to Equitable Life by members of the pension scheme of the Personal Investment Authority in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000;
	(5)  if he will place in the Library copies of the (a) Personal Investment Authority and (b) Financial Services Authority pension scheme trustees' annual reports for 1998–99;
	(6)  what investments of the Personal Investment Authority pension scheme were held in Equitable Life at its scheme year end in 1998; what payments relating to the pension scheme were made to Equitable Life during the year 1997–98; what changes were made to the arrangement for investments with Equitable Life during the years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000; what the reasons were for those changes; and what costs were incurred by (i) the Personal Investment Authority and (ii) the Trustees.

Ruth Kelly: The matters raised are the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority whose chairman will be writing to the hon. Member.

Fines (Financial Service Companies)

Lynne Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been collected in fines from financial service companies for wrongdoing in each of the last three years; and to what use this money has been put.

Ruth Kelly: The FSA tell me that the fines that they or their predecessor regulators imposed were as follows:
	
		
			 Period Fines in £ million 
		
		
			 1/4/2000 to 31/3/2001 4.6 
			 1/4/2001 to 31/3/2002 8.0 
			 1/4/2002 to 15/1/2003 7.5 
		
	
	Fines received by the FSA are allocated to the relevant regulatory sector and used to reduce fees charged by them to firms in that sector.

Government Actuary

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many full time staff he estimates (a) were employed in the Government Actuary's Department in 1998–99 and (b) will be employed in 2003–04; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: It is estimated that there were 93 full time equivalent staff employed in the Government Actuary's Department in 1998–99. It is estimated that 103 full time equivalent staff will be employed in 2003–04.

Investment Products

Howard Flight: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the European Commission on (a) the sale of investment products or services and (b) the liability of advisors and providers in relation to their customers, following the recommendations of the Sandler Report; and if he will make a statement

Ruth Kelly: Treasury officials have regular discussions with the European Commission about financial services, including investment services, particularly in the context of the Commission's proposal for an updated directive on investment services and regulated markets, published on 19 November 2002. The Government is seeking to ensure that this proposed directive is consistent with the proposals in Mr. Ron. Sandler's review of the medium to long term retail savings market.

Job Sharing

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in his Department.

Ruth Kelly: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2002. The Treasury policy on job sharing remains unchanged. There are now 13 job sharers covering seven posts as at 31 December 2002. These individuals are employed on part-time contracts.

Lisbon Strategy

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has undertaken into the progress of member states of the European Union towards achieving the goals set in the Lisbon Strategy in March 2000.

Ruth Kelly: HM Treasury has produced a series of documents on the progress of the EU towards the goals set in the Lisbon strategy.
	1. 'European Economic Reform; meeting the challenge' (March 2001);
	2. The Government White Paper, 'Realising Europe's Potential; economic reform in Europe' (February 2002);
	3. 'Structural Indicators of European economic reform; measuring Europe's progress' (February 2002);
	4. 'Productivity in the EU, 1979–99', commissioned from Mary O'Mahoney at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (February 2002); and
	5. 'Towards Full Employment in the European Union' (July 2002).
	All of these documents can be found on the HM Treasury website (www.hm-treasury.gov.uk).
	The Treasury will report on developments in European economic reform since the 2002 White Paper in a progress report, to be published shortly.

Mortgages

Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average mortgage rate was in England in each year since 1978.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Andrew George, dated January 2003
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question concerning the average mortgage rate in England in each year since 1978. I am replying in his absence. (90835)
	The rates shown in the attached table are currently compiled by the Financial Services Authority (and previously Building Societies Commission). They are average rates for mortgages with Building Societies. Comparable figures prior to 1984 are not available..These figures relate to the UK Separate figures for England are not available.
	
		Average Mortgage Rate—Building Societies(3)
		
			 Year Average Rate(4) Basic Rate(5) 
		
		
			 1984 12.19 11.88 
			 1985 13.01 12.75 
			 1986 12.32 12.30 
			 1987 10.34 10.30 
			 1988 12.75 12.77 
			 1989 14.44 14.42 
			 1990 14.34 14.48 
			 1991 11.39 11.52 
			 1992 8.98 8.98 
			 1993 7.94 7.99 
			 1994 7.84 8.14 
			 1995 7.48 7.98 
			 1996 6.51 7.00 
			 1997 7.58 8.16 
			 1998 7.29 7.75 
			 1999 6.49 6.88 
			 2000 6.65 7.31 
			 2001 5.17 5.34 
		
	
	(3) The average rates are based on information provided by Building Societies. The figures reflect rates at the end of the year.
	(4) These data represents the weighted average of individual reporters' own weighted average rates on their overall residential loan book.
	(5) These data represents the weighted average of the individual reporters' standard variable (headline) rate applying to the majority of mortgage accounts at the end of reporting period.

Paper Supplies

Sue Doughty: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who the suppliers are of his Department's paper and paper products.

Ruth Kelly: The following suppliers provide paper and paper products to HM Treasury:
	Banner
	Talk Paper
	Tompla

Public Service Agreement

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review staffing in relation to his Department's not meeting key targets set out in the 2000 Public Service Agreement.

Ruth Kelly: The Treasury Management Board reviews the allocation of resources to the delivery of Public Service Agreement targets during the annual
	business planning round in-year when necessary.

Sandler Review

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact that proposed revisions to the 1993 European Investment Services Directive would have on the proposals contained in the Sandler review of savings.

Ruth Kelly: The Government are seeking to ensure that the proposed revision to the 1993 Investment Services Directive is consistent with the proposals in Mr. Ron Sandler's review of the medium to long-term retail savings market.

STEPS Contract

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date stamp duty was paid by Mapeley on the STEPS Contract with the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 14 January 2003
	The payment of Stamp Duty is a confidential matter between the payer and the Inland Revenue. Ministers are not involved in the process and do not have access to information relating to it. Exemption 15 (Statutory and other restrictions) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

STEPS Contract

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the advice given by Mr.Dave Shaw of the Inland Revenue special investigation section to the Deputy Chairman of the Inland Revenue in respect of the Mapeley STEPS contract; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 14 January 2003
	I understand that Mr. Shaw's advice referred to policy advice which it would be inappropriate to disclose. Exemption 2 (Internal discussion and advice) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Teleworkers

Andrew Miller: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) employees and (b) self-employed persons are teleworkers.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Andrew Miller, dated 20 January 2003
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about teleworkers. I am replying in his absence. (91600)
	The attached table gives the information requested, for the three month period ending May 2002. These estimates are from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). The LFS questions on teleworking are asked in spring (March to May) quarters only. The latest available estimates are for spring (March to May) 2002.
	
		Employees and self-employed people who are teleworkers(6),(7) United Kingdom: spring (March to May) 2002 -- Thousand(8)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Teleworker homeworkers(9)  
			 Employees 163 
			 Self-employed 232 
			   
			 Home-based teleworkers(10)  
			 Employees 375 
			 Self-employed 449 
			   
			 Occasional teleworkers(11)  
			 Employees 472 
			 Self-employed 89 
			   
			 Total  
			 Employees 1,010 
			 Self-employed 770 
		
	
	(6) People who do some paid or unpaid work in their own home in their main job and could not do so without using both a telephone and a computer.
	(7) Estimates not adjusted for non-response to the teleworking questions.
	(8) Not seasonally adjusted
	(9) Teleworkers who work mainly in their own home.
	(10) Teleworkers who work in various locations using home as a base.
	(11) People who do not usually work at home or use home as a base but spent at least one day in the reference week teleworking in these locations.
	Note:
	These Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates are Not Seasonally Adjusted (NSA) and have not yet been adjusted to take account of the recent Census 2001 results.
	Source:
	ONS Labour Force Survey

Widows/Widowers

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) men and (b) women were widowed in each month in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Oliver Heald, dated 20 January 2003
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question asking how many (a) men and (b) women were widowed in each month in (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002. I am replying in his absence. (91616)
	The latest available figures for England and Wales are for 2001. The information requested for that year is given in the table below.
	
		Number of new widows and widowers by month, England and Wales, 2001(12)
		
			  Widows Widowers 
		
		
			 January 12,835 6,430 
			 February 11,056 5,465 
			 March 12,375 6,018 
			 April 11,249 5,797 
			 May 11,471 5,506 
			 June 10,680 5,162 
			 July 10,893 5,411 
			 August 10,647 5,128 
			 September 10,716 5,212 
			 October 11,076 5,393 
			 November 11,014 5,604 
			 December 12,414 5,917 
		
	
	(12) Data are for deaths occurring in the year

2001 Census

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the total cost of the UK 2001 Census of Population, broken down to show (a) gross cost and (b) net cost after census-related income; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. David Laws, dated 20 January 2003
	The National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales has been asked to reply to your recent question asking what is his estimate of the total cost of the UK Census of Population, broken down to show (a) gross cost and (b) net cost after census-related income, and if he will make a statement. I am replying in his absence. (91704)
	The information that has previously been supplied to the Treasury Sub Committee and the National Audit Office indicates that the overall budget for the Census in England and Wales covering the 13-year period 1993–2006 is £207m. ONS expect to deliver the Census within this figure subject to the settlement of outstanding claims from contractors. No income from the dissemination of census-related output has been budgeted.
	The Census is a devolved matter in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but an estimate of £254m for the total UK Census over the same 13-year period was provided to the Treasury Sub Committee and published in the Report of the Treasury Committee, "The 2001 Census in England and Wales", HC 310 on 6 March 2002.
	For the 2001 Census, access to all standard statistical output will be through a user-friendly website and, subject to simple licence terms, access will be free at the point of use. This access is in addition to pre-defined printed reports to be laid before Parliament. Sections 2(3) and 4(1) of the Census Act 1920 require the cost of undertaking the production of key outputs to be covered as part of the sunk cost of the Census.
	For non-standard statistics, Section 4(2) of the Census Act requires that customers will be charged only the marginal cost of producing and disseminating the information. This is consistent with the Government's wider policy on the 'Knowledge Economy' to make best use of information held by Government by offering an extended range of data free of charge, thereby demonstrating its commitment to ensure that data is widely available and easy to access.

All-employee Share Plan/Enterprise Management Incentives

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of companies that have taken advantage of (a) the all-employee share plan and (b) the enterprise management incentives as set out in the 2000 Budget.

Dawn Primarolo: 442 Share Incentive Plans have received Inland Revenue approval up to 15 January 2003 with a further 197 plans in the process of approval.
	3,297 companies have granted share options under Enterprise Management Incentives up to 15 January 2003.
	More detailed statistics relating to 2000–01 only are contained in tables 6.5 and 6.6 of Inland Revenue Statistics. These are available on the Inland Revenue website at: http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/emp_share_schemes/menu.htm.

Business Inquiries (Inland Revenue)

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) full and (b) aspect business inquiries were taken up and settled by the Inland Revenue in each of the last two financial years; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Details of the numbers of 'full' and 'aspect' business inquiries taken up each year are set out in the Inland Revenue Annual Reports, copies of which are in the House of Commons Library.

Capital Gains Tax

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of the exemption from capital gains tax of gains arising on the disposal of the only or main residence as stated in table 7 of the November 2002 "Tax Ready Reckoner and Tax Reliefs" if gains could be rolled over onto the purchase of another residential property; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Reliable estimates of the cost of abolishing the exemption of gains arising on the disposal of the only or main residence, and instead allowing gains to be rolled over onto the purchase of another residential property, are available only at disproportionate cost.

Early Retirement

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of early retirement for the public sector in each of the last five years.

Paul Boateng: Early retirements are the responsibility of individual public sector employers. The costs of making the early retirement are charged directly to employers' budgets and information about total costs is not held centrally. However, the costs of ill health pensions are borne by each pension scheme, and such centrally-collected information as there is was included in the report of the "Review of Ill Health Retirement in the Public Sector", published by the Treasury in July 2000.

Euro

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the background papers associated with the forthcoming recommendation on the five economic tests; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: A number of supporting studies will be published encompassing the preliminary and technical work that will inform the assessment of the five economic tests. When the assessment is complete, the detailed supporting studies will be published alongside, all to be subject to intensive public scrutiny and debate. Further detail on the supporting studies was set out in the "Paper for the Treasury Committee on the Treasury's Approach to the Preliminary and Technical Work" published on 6 September.

Euro

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 13 January 2003, Official Report, column 414W, on the euro, when his Department last updated its survey of April 1999 on the proportion of small and medium-sized companies prepared for membership of the euro; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: Since April 1999, HM Treasury has published two surveys on the level of preparations among UK businesses for dealing with the euro as a foreign currency. These were published in April 2000 and November 2001. The results of these surveys are available on the Treasury's euro website (www.euro.gov.uk).

Euro

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to publish the supporting studies undertaken as part of the preliminary technical work on euro convergence, prior to the formal assessment of the five economic tests for the euro; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: As set out in the Paper for the Treasury Committee on the Treasury's Approach to the Preliminary and Technical Work, published on 6 September 2002, "When the assessment is complete, the detailed supporting studies will be published alongside, all to be subject to intensive public scrutiny and debate".

HIPC Initiative

John Barrett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the external debt is of (a) the Gambia, (b) Ethiopia, (c) Cameroon, (d) Chad, (e) Zambia, (f) Senegal, (g) Rwanda, (h) Niger, (i) Nicaragua, (j) Mali, (k) Malawi, (l) Madagascar, (m) Honduras, (n) Guyana, (o) Guinea-Bissau, (p) Guinea (q) Ghana, (r) Sao Tome and Principe and (s) Benin; and what the debt level was when each country reached its Decision Point under the HIPC initiative.

John Healey: Most of these countries reached Decision Point in the HIPC initiative in 2000, with the exception of Ethiopia and Chad (which reached Decision Point in 2001), and Ghana (which reached Decision Point in 2002). Under the HIPC initiative a country receives interim debt relief on payments due when it reaches Decision Point, and subsequently the debt is irrevocably cancelled at Completion Point.
	To reach Decision Point and demonstrate their commitment to poverty reduction, a country must prepare an Interim-Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP), to get to Completion Point they need to develop a full PRSP, and usually make progress in, implementing it for one year.
	The UK always goes beyond HIPC terms and offers 100 per cent. debt relief, including 100 per cent. interim debt relief from Decision Point. The HIPC initiative has helped increase social expenditures in countries receiving HIPC debt relief by US$1.7 billion in 2001–02, equivalent to 1.2 per cent. of Gross Domestic Product. On average, health and education spending account for 65 per cent. of the resources freed by HIPC debt relief.
	The most recent readily available data for external debt is for 2000 and is set out in the table:
	
		
			 Country Date reached DP External debt (US$, millions) 2000 
		
		
			 The Gambia December 2000 471 
			 Ethiopia November 2001 5,481 
			 Cameroon October 2000 9,241 
			 Chad May 2001 1,116 
			 Zambia December 2000 5,730 
			 Senegal January 2000 3,372 
			 Rwanda December 2000 1,271 
			 Niger December 2000 1,638 
			 Nicaragua December 2000 7,019 
			 Mali September 2000 2,956 
			 Malawi December 2000 2,716 
			 Madagascar December 2000 298 
			 Honduras July 2000 707 
			 Guyana November 2000 128 
			 Guinea-Bissau December 2000 61 
			 Guinea December 2000 177 
			 Ghana February 2002 483 
			 Sao Tome and Principe December 2000 30 
			 Benin July 2000 192 
		
	
	Source:
	World Bank, Global Development Finance, 2002

Income Statistics

David Winnick: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what numbers and percentage of people received an annual income from all sources of (a) £15,000 to £20,000, (b) £20,000 to £30,000, (c) £30,000 to £40,000, (d) £40,000 to £50,000, (e) £50,000 to £60,000, (f) £60,000 to £70,000, (g) £70,000 to £80,000, (h) £80,000 to £90,000, (i) £90,000 to £100,000 and (j) above £100,000 in the latest period for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The information is given in the table.
	
		
			 Annual income from all sources Number of taxpayers (thousand) Number of individuals with total income in range as a percentage of all taxpayers 
		
		
			 £15,000 to £20,000 4,910 17 
			 £20,000 to £30,000 5,400 18 
			 £30,000 to £40,000 2,000 7 
			 £40,000 to £50,000 800 3 
			 £50,000 to £60,000 410 1 
			 £60,000 to £70,000 230 1 
			 £70,000 to £80,000 150 1 
			 £80,000 to £90,000 100 1 
			 £90,000 to £100,000 70  
			 Above £100,000 300 1 
		
	
	These estimates are based on the 2000–01 Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the November 2002 pre-Budget report.

Inland Revenue

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of staff numbers at the Inland Revenue in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 2002–03; what the reasons are for change in staff numbers; in which areas changes in numbers have taken place; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Staff usage in the Inland Revenue (including the Valuation Office Agency) for 1997–98 was 55,989 full time equivalent staff. Current plans show an estimated usage for 2002–03 of 72,444. The change is due mainly to:
	The transfer of staff from the contributions and benefits agencies in 1999;
	Preparation for the introduction of new tax credits on 1 April 2003;
	Implementation of the Grabiner review of the informal economy;
	Workload growth.

Inland Revenue

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many local tax offices have been (a) owned and (b) utilised by the Inland Revenue in each year from 1985–86 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Regrettably we are unable to supply an answer to this question on the grounds of disproportionate costs.

Liquid Petroleum Gas

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will amend medium and longer-term taxation policy to encourage more LPG fuelled vehicles.

John Healey: In Budget 2001, the Chancellor announced that duty on road fuel gases (including liquid petroleum gases) would be frozen in real terms until at least 2004. Furthermore, fiscal incentives to use LPG are also offered through both the graduated vehicle excise duty and company car tax systems.
	Any further announcement on the taxation of these fuels will be made in the context of the Chancellor's Budget judgments.

Minimum Wage

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people entitled to the minimum wage are being paid less than the minimum wage in (a) the North West and (b) the UK.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. Lindsay Hoyle, dated 20 January 2003
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of people paid less than Minimum Wage. I am replying in his absence. (91943)
	The latest available data, for April 2002, show an estimated 330,000 people in the United Kingdom being paid below the National Minimum Wage. This represents 1.3 per cent of all jobs. The corresponding figures for the North West were 40,000 and 1.6 per cent. These estimates cannot necessarily be used as a measure of non-compliance with the legislation as it is not possible discern from the available data whether an individual is eligible for minimum wage rates.

Office for National Statistics

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff were employed by the Office for National Statistics in each year from 1996–97 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. David Laws, dated 20 January 2003
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about staffing resources in the Office for National Statistics in each year from 1996–97 to 2002–03. I am replying in his absence. (91702)
	The numbers of people employed by ONS are published by the Cabinet Office at http://www.civil-service.gov.uk/statistics. The following table sets out the numbers of permanent and casual staff as at 1 April in each year.
	
		
			 Year ONS staff employed (Permanent) as at 1 April each year ONS staff employed (Casual) as at 1 April each year 
		
		
			 1996–97 2894 90 
			 1997–98 2968 179 
			 1998–99 3089 166 
			 1999–00 3050 240 
			 2000–01 3210 330 
			 2001–02 3030 110 
			 2002–03 3386* (as at 17/1/03) 113*(as at 17/1/03)

Office for National Statistics

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff work in the Drummond Gate Office of the Office for National Statistics; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
	Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. David Laws, dated 20 January 2003–01–20
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about the number of staff who work in the Drummond Gate Office of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). I am replying in his absence. (91709).
	As at 16 January 2003, 968 people work in the Drummond Gate Complex of the Office for National Statistics, comprising two buildings: 1 Drumond Gate and Bessborough House.

PAYE

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies have declared two employees or fewer who are taxed through PAYE since 1999.

Dawn Primarolo: There were approximately 640,000 PAYE schemes at April 2002 with one or two employees. PAYE schemes cover both companies and unincorporated businesses, and each employer can have more than one PAYE scheme.

Royal Mint

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the net cost of the Royal Mint in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The Royal Mint is a Trading Fund and Self Financing Public Corporation. As such, it is structured so that it does not have a net cost to the Exchequer provided it is able to maintain a reasonable level of commercial performance.

Royal Mint

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the market value of the Royal Mint; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: Any Government estimate of the market value of the Mint would be commercially confidential. Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

Royal Mint

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what reasons underlie his policy that the Royal Mint should be in the public sector; and if he will make a statement.

Ruth Kelly: The last review of the Royal Mint in 1998–99 looked at many different options for the Mint, including privatisation. The review concluded that it would not be appropriate to privatise the Mint at the time because of Mint's large change programme; the Treasury's customer relationship with Mint; and uncertainties in the market place, particularly relating to euro coinage.
	The next review of the Mint will be in 2003–04. Every option remains on the table.

Taxation

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the income tax receipts foregone, since 1998, as a result of the Government's policy of levying a lower rate of VAT on the installation of energy-saving materials in homes.

John Healey: There are no income tax receipts forgone but the cost to the Exchequer of the reduced rate of VAT on energy saving materials introduced in 1998 and extended in 2000 can be found in the relevant Financial Statement and Budget Reports. The cost is estimated at £5 million in 1998–99, £10 million in 1999–2000 and £45 million in subsequent years. The increased cost from 2000–01 results from to the extension of the reduced rates to installations in all homes.

Tobacco Smuggling

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level of co-operation between Imperial Tobacco and HM Customs and Excise on the issue of tobacco smuggling; and what recent discussions HM Customs and Excise has had with Imperial Tobacco on strategies to tackle tobacco smuggling.

John Healey: HM Customs and Excise have regular meetings with each of the major UK tobacco manufacturers.
	The Government are giving careful consideration to the recent report on tobacco smuggling from the Committee of Public Accounts and will include in their response to the Committee details of the present level of co-operation between Imperial Tobacco and Customs and Excise.

DEFENCE

Accreditation

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department is doing to support the Government's policy on accreditation.

Lewis Moonie: The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is recognised by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Sate for Defence as the sole national body for the accreditation, against international standards, of certification and inspection bodies, testing and calibration laboratories. The Ministry of Defence uses UKAS accreditation services whenever it is appropriate to do so.

Afghanistan

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops have been (a) killed and (b) wounded in Afghanistan in the last 12 months.

Adam Ingram: Three British soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in the last 12 months, though none died as a result of hostile fire. Two British soldiers were wounded during the same period, both in accidental shooting incidents.

Appropriation Accounts

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the Appropriation Accounts for 2001–02.

Adam Ingram: In accordance with the Government Resource Accounting Act 2000 the Department's financial performance is reported to Parliament in the Consolidated Departmental Resource Accounts. The 2001–02 Accounts were laid on 21 November 2002 (HC47). Copies are available in the Library of the House. The Appropriation Accounts for 2000–01 were the last in that form.

Army Recruits

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of Army Recruiting Group's budget has been spent for the current financial year; how many army recruits will pass through Army Training Regiments in the period 1 January to 31 March; and when he expects the Army to achieve full manning.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 16 January 2003
	In the current Financial Year, as at 30 November 2002, the latest date for which accurate figures are available, 80 per cent. of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency's net resource budget has been spent. The total includes £64.8 million for the Recruiting Group, of which 68 per cent. has similarly been spent. The balances of 20 per cent. and 32 per cent. have, however, largely been committed.
	In the period 1 January to 31 March 2003, a total of 4,390 recruits will commence training at Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA) Phase 1 training establishments, including the Army Foundation College and the Army Technical Foundation College. The figure also includes Junior Entry recruits at Army Training Regiment (ATR) Bassingbourn and those commencing combined Phase 1 and 2 Infantry training at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. Only those Adult recruits who commenced training on 6 January at the other ATRs will pass out to Phase 2 training before the end of March; the present estimate of this number is 147.
	The Army intends to achieve manning balance, in accordance with the Public Service Agreement, by the end of 2005. The Army's overall manpower requirement is dynamic and subject to continuing review in light of evolving doctrine, new technology and equipment and possible changes to the operating environment.
	Recent performance has been encouraging, with personnel increasing by over 1,400 during the last 12 months.

Asthma

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people have been discharged from the Armed Forces on account of their suffering from asthma in the last 12 months.

Lewis Moonie: Between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2002 there have been 13 medical discharges in the Armed Forces due to asthma, nine of which were in the Army and four of which were in the Navy.
	Further information on medical discharges can be found in the National Statistics publication entitled "Medical Discharges in the Armed Forces 2001" which was published on 27 March 2002. This publication can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.dasa.mod.uk/medstats/discharge/ns_initframe. htm.

Capita Group

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts that have been awarded to the Capita Group by his Department.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has the following contracts with the Capita Group.
	
		
			 Division Contract number 
		
		
			 Capita Business Services Ltd. MSC5/07998 
			  ABRO1A/0112 
			  CBC/2B/0139 
			  CP21B/1178 
			   
			 Capita Group plc CPPF1/102/14 
			   
			 Capita RAS Ltd. CBC/2B/0003 
			  CP21A/1411 
			  CP21B/1249 
			   
			 Capita Property Services Ltd. DABMSC/10851 
			   
			 Capita Property Consultancy WS35/806

Chinooks

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purchase of the MH-47G Chinooks for special operations purposes.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 December 2002, Official Report, column 692W.

Close Range Defence

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Royal Navy vessels have recently been fitted with (a) general purpose machine guns and (b) other weapons systems suitable for close range defence.

Adam Ingram: The majority of Royal Navy vessels are, and always have been, fitted with general purpose machine guns, and also with larger calibre weapons for the purposes of close range defence. The fitting policy for these weapons, including the number of weapons carried by each platform, is reviewed on a regular basis and is subject to change as a result of changes to the threat or operational tasking of the units concerned. The fitting policy of weapons, the numbers and types carried by each vessel and the outcome of any reviews is classified information and I am, therefore, withholding that information under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice (Defence, security and international relations).

Deployment

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, according to theatre or country, the units of the (a) Royal Navy and (b) Royal Marines deployed on duties determined by (i) the UK exclusively, (ii) NATO, (iii) the European Union and (iv) the United Nations.

Adam Ingram: As at 20 January 2003, units are deployed as follows:
	(i) on UK tasking:
	North Atlantic
	(a) HMS Ark Royal, HMS Ocean, HMS Edinburgh, HMS York, HMS Liverpool, HMS Marlborough, HMS Iron Duke, HMS Grimsby, HMS Ledbury, RFA Fort Victoria, RFA Argus, RFA Sir Tristram, RFA Sir Galahad, RFA Fort Austin and RFA Fort Rosalie
	(b) 40 Cdo Gp RM and elements of 539 Assault Squadron RM
	Mediterranean
	HMS Chatham, RFA Brambleleaf, RFA Oakleaf
	Gulf/Indian Ocean
	HMS Cardiff, HMS Cumberland, HMS Bangor, HMS Blyth, HMS Brocklesby, HMS Sandown, RFA Bayleaf, RFA Sir Bedivere, RFA Diligence
	Caribbean
	RFA Blackrover
	South Atlantic
	HMS Endurance, HMS Leeds Castle, RFA Grey Rover
	(ii) NATO tasking:
	North Atlantic
	HMS Dumbarton Castle, HMS Walney
	Mediterranean
	HMS Northumberland, RFA Orangeleaf.
	No vessels are currently deployed on duties determined by the EU or UN.
	In addition, three Royal Marine Protection Teams are deployed. I am witholding the precise location of their deployments and details of the location of deployed UK submarines under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice.

Deployments

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the principal (a) Royal Naval and (b) Royal Marines deployments on (i) peacekeeping, (ii) anti-terrorist and (iii) humanitarian operations in each of the past five years.

Adam Ingram: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			 Principal deployments  
		
		
			 1998   
			 Peacekeeping Republic of Congo—contingency deployment for possible non-combatant evacuation RM 
			 Peacekeeping Albania—contingency deployment for possible non-combatant evacuation. RM 
			 Anti-Terrorist Arabian Gulf—Maritime Interdiction RN/RM 
			
			 1999   
			 Peacekeeping East Timor RM 
			 Peacekeeping Sierra Leone RN/RM 
			 Humanitarian Ops Honduras and Nicaragua—Hurricane disaster relief RN/RM 
			
			 2000   
			 Peacekeeping Sierra Leone RN/RM 
			 Peacekeeping Kosovo RM 
			 2001   
			 Peacekeeping Sierra Leone RN/RM 
			 Peacekeeping Kosovo RM 
			 Anti-Terrorist Arabian Gulf—Maritime Interdiction. RN/RM 
			 Anti-Terrorist Afghanistan RM 
			 Anti-Terrorist Indian Ocean/Afghanistan RN 
			 Anti-Terrorist Gulf/Indian Ocean RN 
			
			 2002   
			 Anti-Terrorist Afghanistan RM 
			 Anti-Terrorist Indian Ocean/Afghanistan RN 
			 Anti-Terrorist Gulf/Indian Ocean RN 
		
	
	In addition, Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel have been deployed on operations in support of the civil authorities in Northern Ireland in each of the years in question.

Dstl Staff

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost of recruiting and training replacements from Dstl staff in Farnborough who are unwilling or unable to relocate to Portsdown Main.

Lewis Moonie: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Farnborough are scheduled to move to Portsdown in late 2006. At this stage it is not possible to predict whether any particular member of staff will leave Dstl rather than move to the new site.
	Dstl currently has a low annual turnover of staff and has an effective recruitment and training strategy. Dstl always looks to develop the talents and capabilities of existing staff and would look to existing staff to fill any vacancies at a more senior level, at the same time continuing to recruit and train staff to fill in behind them. Dstl does not therefore envisage a significant increase in such costs attributable to their relocation plans.
	Dstl annually recruits in the region of 100 graduates and indicators suggest it is an employer of choice for science graduates.

Dstl Staff

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the account taken of the views of Dstl staff at the Farnborough site in arriving at the decision to relocate Farnborough staff to Porstdown Main.

Lewis Moonie: The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been and remains keen to work with staff and trade unions to reduce the impact on staff of their relocation plans. Discussions with TUs have been open and constructive.
	Dstl has completed a formal consultation with TUs together with a series of seminars for staff where the relocation plans were explained and staff feedback requested. These responses were used to inform the series of decisions needed on how best to structure the laboratory in the future. Some suggestions from staff have led to changes to plans, including decisions to move staff to different sites than originally planned.
	Throughout, staff have been encouraged to express their views on Dstl relocation plans. Many have contacted the chief executive directly with questions, to which he has responded personally. CE/Dstl has also given a series of presentations to staff, including question and answer sessions, at sites affected by these plans.

FA2 Sea Harrier

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current capability of the FA2 Sea Harrier for possible combat in the Middle East.

Geoff Hoon: No decision has been taken to authorise military action against Iraq. As I told the House in the course of my statement on 7 January 2003, Official Report, column 37, HMS Ark Royal is deploying in a helicopter carrier role and is therefore not currently carrying any Sea Harriers.

Firefighters' Dispute

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Royal Naval and (b) other service personnel are on duties associated with the national firefighters' dispute; and if a schedule has been set for their return to normal military duties.

Adam Ingram: Approximately 19,000 military personnel are available for duties associated with the firefighters' strike. Of these, approximately 3,000 are drawn from the Royal Navy and are employed in both the firefighting and support roles.
	The armed forces role during strike periods has been and will continue to be to provide emergency cover, thus seeking to save lives and ensuring that essential services are maintained. Emergency cover will, as far as possible, be maintained for as long as the strike continues and balanced with other demands on military resources.

FIST Project

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the development of the FIST project; and what advantages it will offer to infantry soldiers.

Adam Ingram: The final stage of a competition to choose a Prime Contractor for the Assessment Phase of the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme is currently underway, involving BAE Systems Ltd. and Thales Optronics Ltd. Selection of a single Prime Contractor is planned for early 2003.
	The FIST programme will bring the benefits of enhanced technology to the infantry soldier by providing an integrated suite of equipment. The programme will enhance the mission effectiveness of those soldiers committed to dismounted close combat, particularly in the areas of command and control of information, lethality, mobility, survivability and sustainability.

HMS Albion

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Albion is expected to become available for operational tasking.

Adam Ingram: On current plans, HMS Albion is expected to enter service with the Royal Navy by July 2003. Following operational training, she should be available for tasking in October 2003.

HMS Nottingham

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if changes have been made to the anticipated (a) repair costs and (b) time out of service for HMS Nottingham since she arrived in the United Kingdom for repairs.

Adam Ingram: There have been no changes to the anticipated repair costs and time out of service for HMS Nottingham since she arrived in the United Kingdom for repair.

HMS Sceptre

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the final nuclear safety justification for HMS Sceptre will take place; and when he expects the submarine to be fully operational.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 15 January, Official Report, column 638W. The final nuclear safety justification is planned for February 2003. This should permit HMS Sceptre's reactor to be powered up and tested prior to the submarine going to sea for the usual post refit trials and training before she returns to operations.

HMS Trafalgar

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  when HMS Trafalgar is to return to operational service;
	(2)  if he will make a statement about the damage caused to HMS Trafalgar.

Adam Ingram: The damage to HMS Trafalgar, following her grounding on 6 November 2002, is centred around her forward sonar.
	Surveys to fully scope the damage and assess the necessary repairs are currently being undertaken in Devonport dockyard. These include survey of the forward sonar (the damaged area), a full structural assessment of the forward main ballast tanks, foreplane operating gear, anchor operating gear and associated faired coverings. The surveys are expected to complete by the end of January 2003.
	The opportunity is being taken to combine the repairs with a planned routine maintenance period for the submarine. The overall work programme, which will be informed by the surveys, is expected to take until early 2004 to complete. The submarine will then undergo the normal trials and training requirements before returning to the fleet.

HMS Trafalgar

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the outcome will be known of the boards of inquiry into the accidents involving (a) HMS Trafalgar and (b) HMS Nottingham.

Adam Ingram: Boards of Inquiry (BOI) into the accidents involving HMS Trafalgar and HMS Nottingham are complete.
	There are no plans to publish the BOI reports into incidents of this nature.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 January, Official Report, column 403W to the hon. Member for Batley and Spen (Mr. Wood).

HMS Trafalgar

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect on the overall capability of the submarine fleet has been caused by the withdrawal of HMS Trafalgar for repairs.

Adam Ingram: HMS Trafalgar was due to enter a period of extended maintenance in April 2003. Her withdrawal from service in November 2002 has therefore not had a significant effect on the overall capability of the submarine fleet.

Low-level Flying (Taunton)

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints he has received in each of the last 24 months about (a) the RAF and (b) the USAF and US Navy low flying jet fighters on training runs flying over the Taunton constituency.

Lewis Moonie: The current system of recording complaints about low flying does not include the constituency within which the complainant resides. The nationality of aircraft involved in complaints is not routinely recorded, nor is it envisaged that it should be. The hon. Member may wish to be aware that in the last 24 months the number of individual complaints recorded by the Ministry of Defence Low Flying Complaints and Enquiries unit for all low flying military aircraft in the county of Somerset was as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 November 2000 10 
			 December 2000 8 
			 January 2001 11 
			 February 2001 20 
			 March 2001 7 
			 April 2001 19 
			 May 2001 32 
			 June 2001 35 
			 July 2001 43 
			 August 2001 19 
			 September 2001 15 
			 October 2001 14 
			 November 2001 3 
			 December 2001 11 
			 January 2002 9 
			 February 2002 11 
			 March 2002 5 
			 April 2002 12 
			 May 2002 11 
			 June 2002 26 
			 July 2002 45 
			 August 2002 30 
			 September 2002 30 
			 October 2002 10 
		
	
	Complaints have been recorded by the address given by the complainant. Details of the pattern of military low flying activity by low flying area are included on the Ministry of Defence website under the address www.lowflying.mod.uk.

Low-level Flying (Taunton)

Adrian Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the ordnance survey co-ordinates for low-level jet fighters training run routes over the Taunton constituency.

Lewis Moonie: There are no "training run routes" for low level jet fighters across the Taunton constituency; as part of their training, aircrew are instructed and encouraged to constantly vary their routes in order to maintain the training value. In common with the rest of the United Kingdom, the whole of the Taunton constituency is open to low flying training by military aircraft in order to spread the disturbance as thinly as possible. However, a number of areas are excluded, such as restricted airspace around civil aerodromes, glider sites, certain industrial sites and the larger centres of population (generally towns with over 10,000 inhabitants).

Royal Navy

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what vessels are (a) stationed on Atlantic Patrol Ship (South) duties and (b) assigned to Standing Naval Force Mediterranean duties.

Adam Ingram: APT(S) is currently gapped because of the commitment to provide emergency fire cover during industrial action by the firefighters' union. Meanwhile the RN contributes to the significant UK presence in the South Atlantic with the Falkland Islands patrol vessel, HMS Leeds Castle, the APT(S) tanker, RFA Grey Rover and the ice patrol ship, HMS Endurance deployed to the region.
	The RN ship allocated to Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (SNFM) is HMS Northumberland having relieved HMS Edinburgh on 19 December 2002. HMS Northumberland was due to join SNFM on 15 January 2003 but will now join the group on 28 January 2003 following an extended period of operational sea training and maintenance.

Naval Task Group 2003

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which foreign navies will be participating in Naval Task Group 2003; and which foreign warships will be involved.

Adam Ingram: The French Navy and Italian Navy will participate during part of the Naval TaskGroup 2003 (NTG 03) deployment and have allocated the French Destroyer FS Primauguet and the Italian Frigate ITS Granatiere respectively. Their participation is at the personal invitation of Commander in Chief Fleet and the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff to their respective counterparts. Their integration is considered routine business and follows a similar attachment by the French Frigate FS Aconit throughout the Naval Task Group 2000 deployment.
	For completeness, but whilst not strictly part of the NTG 03 deployment, a French Minehunter, FS Cassiopee, will also integrate with the MCM Group deploying to the Gulf region on 20 January 2003.

NBC Suits

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether defects have been found in Mk IV NBC suits supplied to the Armed Forces; and what inspections are routinely made.

Adam Ingram: No defect reports have been received regarding the Mk IV NBC suits supplied to the Armed Forces. There is no requirement to carry out routine inspections of the Mk IV NBC Suits, as they are vacuum-packed by the manufacturer for long-term storage. Units are responsible for ensuring the integrity of the packaging before they are issued.

Oilfields and Fishing Grounds

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Royal Naval units are deployed in the protection of (a) UK oilfields and (b) UK fishing grounds.

Adam Ingram: The Royal Navy does not allocate units specifically for the protection of British oilfields. However, RN ships, including those on fishery protection duties, conduct many routine operations and exercises around the United Kingdom throughout the year and any of these ships could be diverted if required to meet a specific requirement. In addition, the fleet ready escort, a frigate or destroyer continuously available at a high state of readiness, is at short notice to respond to any incident in UK waters.
	The RN currently has seven ships allocated to the fishery protection squadron. These ships are deployed in accordance with Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs requirements and conduct fishery patrols throughout British fishery limits, excluding Scottish waters which are covered by the Scottish Fishery Protection Agency. HMS Lindisfarne, Guernsey and Atherstone are currently on patrol.

Operation Fresco

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what elements of the armed forces have been withdrawn from Operation Fresco for other duties; what units will replace them in each case; what areas of the country each will cover in the event of a firefighters' strike; and how long each unit has been training for fire fighting duties.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 16 January 2003
	The following units and sub units from 16 Air Assault Brigade are to be withdrawn from Operation Fresco once replacements have been trained:
	1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment
	3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
	1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment
	7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
	13th Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
	D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment
	21 Battery, 47 Regiment Royal Artillery
	51 Air Assault Field Squadron, 23 Engineer Regiment.
	An equal number of replacements will be drawn from:
	1 Highlanders
	2 Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
	1 Worcester and Sherwood Foresters
	9 Supply Regiment Royal Logistics Corps
	16 Regiment Royal Artillery
	12 Regiment Royal Artillery
	32 Regiment Royal Artillery
	27 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps
	Elements drawn from across the RAF.
	Replacement forces began a rolling programme of training on 15 January. They will receive the same training package as those personnel being withdrawn from Operation Fresco duties. All units will have completed their training by 25 January but only those that have completed their training prior to 21 January will be able to assume Operation Fresco duties for a strike that day. Consequently, elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade will remain committed until the full complement of replacements are available to provide emergency cover. This ensures that there will be no diminution of the level of commitment to provide emergency fire and rescue cover nor a reduction in the quality of that cover.
	A direct correlation between the locations of those being withdrawn and the replacements cannot be made. This is because adjustments are being made to the deployment locations of a number of units in addition to those listed above and some of the units will only be deployed on Operation Fresco for a strike on 21 January. There will not, however, be any change in capability at any of the temporary fire stations.

Pay Review Body

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce the appointment of the new Chairman of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body; and if he will take a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The present Chairman, the right hon. Baroness Dean of Thornton-le-Fylde, does not leave her appointment until spring 2004. The announcement of her successor will be made at the appropriate time.

RAF Uxbridge

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for RAF Uxbridge.

Adam Ingram: As part of the Ministry of Defence Estate London (MODEL) project, it is proposed that the United States Navy (USN) should be offered the opportunity to consolidate its London operations at Uxbridge, in place of the seven sites in the London area it currently occupies. The site would remain the property of Her Majesty's Government. The changes are subject to formal MOD approval procedures, discussions with the USN and the United States approval procedures. Should the USN not participate in the project, the site will be considered for alternative Government use, and if none is found, it is likely that the site will be disposed of.
	Part of the Service Family Housing may be retained for use by MOD Service families. The historic RAF Bunker will be retained separately and preserved as a site of historic interest.

Retirement Age

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the compulsory retirement age of 60 for some Ministry of Defence employees; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 15 January 2003
	The Ministry of Defence, like other Government Departments, has recently completed a thorough review of its retirement policy for civilian staff in light of the Government's policy. Some two-thirds of the work force already have the option to work up to the age of 65. The review concluded that our current policy was consistent with departmental needs and that any change, including extending this option to those who currently have to retire at age 60, should be made through the implementation of the legislation on age discrimination that the Government are committed to introduce by 2006. We shall also have regard for the outcome of the consultation on greater flexibility for individuals to work beyond the present retirement age which the Government have initiated in the recently published Green Paper on Pensions.

Ricin

Tam Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library unrestricted information about ricin from the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.

Lewis Moonie: This question has been transferred to me for response because it was Ministry of Defence scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down who have been responsible for the identification of ricin in the recent terrorist alert.
	The Laboratory of the Government Chemist was privatised in 1996 and no longer has any official status. Therefore, in response to your request for unrestricted
	information on ricin to be placed in the Library of the House, I will make arrangements to place such information from Dstl in the Library. Information on ricin is already available from the Department of Health website.

Sickness Absence

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many days were lost due to sickness absence in the Department in 2002.

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many working days have been lost due to illness in his Department in (a) 2002 and (b) each of the preceding five years.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence's sick absence rates for civilian non-industrial staff in the last five years for which MOD data are available, measured in working days absence per staff year, are as follows:
	
		
			  Days 
		
		
			 1996 7.9 
			 1997 7.9 
			 1998 8.0 
			 1999 8.8 
			 2000 8.8 
		
	
	Sick absence data for all Government Departments is published in an annual Cabinet Office report, "Analysis of Sick Absence in the Civil Service". Copies of the 1999, 2000 and 2001 reports are available in the Library of the House. However, the 2001 report excludes data for MOD pending the introduction of a new and more accurate statistical reporting system. The 2002 report, which will include MOD data, will be placed in the Library of the House on publication.
	A programme of measures is being implemented to help meet the target in MOD's Service Delivery Agreement to reduce sickness absence to seven days by the end of 2003 (target adjusted following the reorganisation of Government Departments in 2000). MOD is committed to improving the health of its staff and managing sick absence more effectively.

Shipping (Terrorists)

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are in place to protect (a) merchant and (b) naval shipping from terrorist attack.

Adam Ingram: The threat from terrorist attack is kept under constant review and the Ministry of Defence works closely with other Government Departments on the protection of merchant shipping. The Royal Navy's worldwide Maritime Trade Operations—known as UK MTO arrangements—enable a number of options to be offered in support of merchant shipping, graduated to the prevailing threat. These range from the provision of routine advice and guidance through to naval supervision. The appropriate level of MTO support required in a given area remains under constant assessment. For example, UK MTO arrangements in the Gulf have been enhanced since October 2001 by the establishment of a UK MTO liaison cell in the region. If necessary, higher level Maritime Trade Operations can be implemented very quickly. Information on specific measures to protect naval shipping were provided in my answer to the hon. Member on 15 January, Official Report, column 640W.

Trident

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on (a) the operation and (b) the cost of the Trident submarine fleet in each year since 1997.

Adam Ingram: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Warships

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which warships are in extended readiness; for how long each ship has been in extended readiness; what the levels of extended readiness are for warships; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: There are currently two Royal Navy warships being held in Extended Readiness, a single readiness state which is not further sub-divided:
	HMS Montrose, a Type 23 frigate, has been in extended readiness in Rosyth since September 2002, prior to an upkeep package in the dockyard. On current plans she is due to return to Fleet service in March 2004;
	HMS Bridport, a Sandown Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel, has been in extended readiness at Faslane since March 2002.

Watchkeeper Programme

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Watchkeeper programme; and what extra costs are being incurred by industry bidders in advance of the down select decision.

Adam Ingram: The Watchkeeper programme seeks to acquire an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capability which will provide United Kingdom commanders with accurate, timely and high quality imagery. It is a key element of the Government's efforts to develop a truly network enabled capability, so critical to enhancing the ability of our forces to bring military effect to bear in a timely manner. Bids were received from the companies competing for the remainder of the Watchkeeper programme assessment phase in mid 2002, and additional points of clarification were sought from each bidder in December 2002. Any additional costs incurred by the bidders in addressing these outstanding issues are matter for the respective bidders. We plan to announce a decision on down-select as soon as possible.

West Africa

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the implications of recent unrest in the Ivory Coast for British defence interests in West Africa.

Adam Ingram: The United Kingdom is deeply concerned at the situation in Cote d'Ivoire. We continue to work with the French and other partners to support regional efforts to reach a peaceful political settlement. A resolution of the Cote d'Ivoire crisis is essential for stability of the West Africa region. However there are not considered to be any serious implications for British defence interests in West Africa at this time.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Driving Ban

Bob Russell: To ask the Solicitor General 
	(1)  what guidance is given to magistrates courts on the circumstances in which a driving ban should not be imposed on a motorist who has committed a criminal offence where an automatic disqualification is the normal outcome; in what circumstances a court is given discretion not to impose a ban; and what plans she has to remove the discretionary powers available to the courts.
	(2)  what guidance is given to magistrates courts and crown courts on the circumstances in which driving bans should not be imposed on motorists who have accumulated sufficient points for disqualification; in what circumstances a court is given discretion not to impose a ban; what plans she has to remove the discretionary powers available to the courts; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: holding answer 15 January 2003
	In September 2000 the Magistrates' Association implemented its most recent guidance to Magistrates on sentencing. This is a wide ranging document covering various aspects of the Magistrates' sentencing powers. However the guidance it provides in relation to the issues raised in the questions is limited.
	Although it states what the law is it does not necessarily specify in detail how it should be exercised in differing circumstances.
	The main source of guidance for the Magistrates is the relevant statute and case law.
	The current system provides a degree of flexibility to the Courts and allows for sentences to be appropriate to each individual case. There are no plans to remove the discretionary powers available to the courts in this area.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Racism and "enophobia

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in which EU countries (a) racism and (b) xenophobia is a criminal offence; and how it is defined in each case.

Bill Rammell: Criminal law provisions that explicitly include the prohibition of racist and xenophobic behaviour are in place in all EU Member States.
	The joint action of 15 July 1996, adopted by the Council on the basis of Article K.3 of the Treaty on European Union provides a common definition of racist or xenophobic behaviour, referring to public incitement to discrimination, violence or racial hatred in respect of a group of persons or a member of such a group defined by reference to colour, race, religion or national or ethnic origin. However, the interpretation of this definition does vary amongst EU member states. A number of states, including the UK, have also entered significant reservations in regard to this Joint Action in order to protect freedom of speech and to reflect their legal traditions in regard to use of civil law.
	In its definition of racist or xenophobic behaviour, the joint action includes public condoning, for a racist or xenophobic purpose, of crimes against humanity and human rights violations; public denial of the crimes defined in Article 6 of the Charter of the International Military Tribunal appended to the London Agreement of 8 April 1945; public dissemination or distribution of tracts, pictures or other material containing expressions of racism and xenophobia; participation in the activities of groups which involve discrimination, violence, or racial, ethnic or religious hatred.
	EU member states are in the process of agreeing a framework decision on racism and xenophobia which will supersede the joint action.

Afghanistan

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence has been collated by his Department on Taliban activity in the Zabul province of Afghanistan.

Mike O'Brien: Following Operation Anaconda in March 2002, we received reports that some residual Taliban elements had moved into Zabul, Paktia and Paktika provinces. Poor security and remoteness continue to hamper aid programmes in Zabul. The Governor of Zabul blames these activities on Taliban remnants.

Annual Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much producing his Department's latest Annual Report cost; how many copies were printed; how many copies of it were sold at its cover price; to whom copies of the report have been provided free of charge; and how many copies were provided free of charge.

Jack Straw: Production of the 2002 Foreign and Commonwealth Office Departmental Report cost approximately £11,000, which covered design, photography, indexing and proof-reading expenses. Other costs of printing and publication are met by the publishers, The Stationery Office Ltd. (TSO), and do not fall to government. TSO charged the FCO £23,923 for supplying 1,403 copies for distribution to Foreign Office Posts abroad and internal Foreign Office Departments. TSO makes its own commercial decisions on how many further copies to print for sale. To date TSO have sold 351 copies. In London, about 20 copies of the report were provided free of charge to journalists and foreign Embassies. Others accessed the electronic version of the report available on the FCO website. We do not hold information centrally about copies distributed free of charge by Posts.

Cuba Detainees

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations, including requests to meet with clients, he has had from the legal representatives of United Kingdom citizens detained in Cuba by the United States as suspected members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group; what representations he has made to his United States counterparts in respect of the application of due legal process to these detainees; what information he has collated on the nature of the charges they face; and if he will make a statement on the compatibility of the conditions under which they are being held with human rights commitments entered into by the United States.

Mike O'Brien: We have received representations by the legal representatives and families of the detainees. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has spoken to the US Secretary of State several times about this issue, most recently on 5 January. Ministers and officials have raised it on numerous occasions with the US Government.
	We continue to encourage the US to move forward with the process of determining the future of the British detainees. We have made our position clear that if they are charged they must have a fair trial. We understand that none have been charged. The US has given assurances that the detainees are being treated humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Conventions. British officials have visited Guantanamo Bay to check on the welfare of the British nationals. I refer my hon. Friend to my Written Ministerial Statement of 11 December 2002, col. 17WS and the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the City of Chester (Christine Russell) on 13 June 2002, Official Report, column 1402W.

Cuba Detainees

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the United States concerning the British prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has discussed the issue of the British Detainees at Guantanamo Bay with the US authorities, most recently on 5 January, when he spoke to the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the distribution of his Department's wholetime equivalent staff was, including the staff in agencies and other bodies reporting to him, in each Government office region and nation of the UK (a) in 1996 and (b) at the most recent available period.

Mike O'Brien: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 15 January Official Report, column 609W.

Departmental Staff

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many full-time equivalent staff are employed in (a) the Department and (b) each of the agencies it sponsors; and what the figures were for 1997.

Mike O'Brien: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 16 January 2003, Official Report, column 697W.

Elections (Pakistan)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether British Government representatives observed the recent Pakistani elections (a) as part of the EU observer team and (b) independently; and whether his policy is on the EU team's criticism of the Pakistani Government's offering financial aid to those political parties it favours.

Mike O'Brien: We welcomed the holding of multi-party elections in Pakistan. Although there were no formal UK observers, four qualified UK professionals were part of the EU Elections Observation Mission. In addition, we funded 50 per cent. of the costs of the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission which itself had a qualified UK professional as its security advisor. Our high commission in Islamabad also closely monitored developments. We have studied the report of the EU observers with care. The report underlines the need for a concerted effort by the new Government, all political parties and civil society to ensure the establishment of a sustainable form of democratic, civilian rule in Pakistan. We will remain engaged with the Pakistani authorities on this and other key issues.

Global Partners Agreement

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monies were pledged by the G8, broken down by country, as part of the Global Partners Agreement, known as ten plus ten plus ten; how much has been spent or advanced by each country; what impediments there are to the expenditure and disposition of the global amount; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: Money pledged so far to the G8 'Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction' is as follows (in currency of pledge).
	Canada: Cdn $l billion
	France: Euro750 million
	Germany: Euro1.5 billion
	Italy: $l billion
	Japan: $200 million
	Russia: $2 billion
	US: $10 billion
	UK: up to $750 million
	Some countries have begun disbursing money to the Russian Federation and related projects, in particular the US under the Co-operative Threat Reduction initiative. The UK does not have details of expenditure to date by other G8 countries. Many countries are not able to disburse a substantial portion of the funds until there is agreement on a legal framework known as the Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Programme for the Russian Federation (MNEPR).
	The UK has only been able to disburse around £20 million to date, and the continuing absence of either a multilateral or a bilateral agreement constitutes a substantial impediment to expenditure in a number of areas. Once we have the agreements in place we will be able to spend project money very quickly. In the interim, the UK continues to provide assistance to former Soviet Union countries in a number of areas, including safe storage of nuclear submarine fuel and site characterisation work in NW Russia, nuclear safety assistance to Kazakhstan, and measures to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons expertise from closed nuclear cities in Russia. In addition, the UK is working with other members of the G8 to establish a multilateral instrument to oversee the disposition of Russian weapons-grade plutonium.
	The Government are firmly committed to the Global Partnership and believes the need for co-ordinated non-proliferation work has never been greater.

Global Partners Agreement

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the details and purpose of the Global Partners Agreement known as ten plus ten plus ten reached between the G8 and the Russia Federation in Canada in 2002.

Mike O'Brien: On June 27 2002, leaders at the G8 Summit at Kananaskis, Canada, announced the 'Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction'. The details and purpose of the Partnership were set out as follows:
	"The attacks of September 11 demonstrated that terrorists are prepared to use any means to cause terror and inflict appalling casualties on innocent people. We commit ourselves to prevent terrorists, or those that harbour them, from acquiring or developing nuclear, chemical, radiological and biological weapons; missiles; and related materials, equipment and technology. We call on all countries to join us in adopting the set of non-proliferation principles we have announced today.
	"In a major initiative to implement those principles, we have also decided today to launch a new G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. Under this initiative, we will support specific co-operation projects, initially in Russia, to address non-proliferation, disarmament, counter-terrorism and nuclear safety issues. Among our priority concerns are the destruction of chemical weapons, the dismantlement of decommissioned nuclear submarines, the disposition of fissile materials and the employment of former weapons scientists. We will commit to raise up to $20 billion to support such projects over the next ten years. We will review progress on this Global Partnership at our next Summit in 2003."

Guyana

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on levels of criminal and political instability in Guyana; and what recent discussions he has had with the government of that country.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, is concerned at the political impasse in Guyana, and the rising levels of crime resulting from the deadlock. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) regularly engages with Guyanese politicians to discuss the political situation there, and register concerns on the escalation in crime.
	My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, last met President Jagdeo and the leader of the opposition, the late Desmond Hoyte, in April 2002 to discuss the political situation. My noble Friend, Baroness Amos met President Jagdeo four times in the last year in April, May and September and most recently during her visit to Guyana in November 2002. We keep in close contact with Guyanese politicians through our High Commissioner in Georgetown. The FCO is following closely the Commonwealth Secretary General's efforts to mediate between the two parties. The FCO and Department for International Development (DFID) have provided help to assist the Commonwealth Secretary General's efforts to facilitate a resumption of talks between the two parties.

Guyana

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government has had with the government of Guyana on holding their local government elections.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, has had no direct discussions with the Government of Guyana on holding their local government elections. The local elections in Guyana have been deferred for one year due to the political impasse. The deadlock is a continuing cause for concern. An escalation in crime and violence has further heightened the need for constructive political dialogue to take place.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) regularly engages with Guyanese politicians about the political situation in Guyana. We keep in close contact with Guyanese politicians through our High Commissioner in Georgetown.

Indonesia

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Indonesia following the prohibition of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from practising their religion by local authorities in the Kuningan Regency; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The British Government condemns the persecution of individuals because of their faith. We regularly impress on the Indonesian authorities the importance of upholding and promoting human rights and religious freedoms throughout the country.
	Our Embassy in Jakarta has reported that the local authorities carried out the banning order in Kuningan Regency and it is unclear whether central government in Jakarta is aware. Our Ambassador has written to the Department for Religious Affairs to request further information.

International Law

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on taking action under international law and conventions against Governments who starve their own people.

Bill Rammell: States Parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognise the right of individuals to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food. They undertake to take steps to the maximum of their resources to achieve progressively the full realisation of this right. They are obliged to report every five years on the implementation of such obligations to a UN Committee monitoring the treaty. That Committee gives a public view about a State Party's record of implementation. The Covenant does not provide for other international action where a State Party might be considered to be in breach of the Covenant. But the international community can address this in appropriate for a such as the UN Commission on Human Rights in order to defend international standards.

Iran

John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the terms are of the UK arms embargo on Iran.

Mike O'Brien: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Andy King) by the then Minister of State at the Foreign Office my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr Lloyd) on 28 January 1998, Official Report, column 273–74.

Iraq

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evaluation he has made of the ability of the UN oil for food programme to continue in the event of war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: No decision has been taken to launch military action against Iraq and military action is not inevitable. The future of the oil for food programme in the event of any military action would depend on the circumstances at the time. The UN is preparing for all eventualities.

Iraq

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what representations he has made to his US counterpart regarding the protection of water and sanitation supplies in the event of military intervention in Iraq;
	(2)  what representations he has made to his US counterpart regarding the protection of food security in the event of military intervention in Iraq.

Mike O'Brien: No decision has been taken to launch military action against Iraq and military action is not inevitable. We regularly discuss all aspects of Iraq policy with our US colleagues.

Iraq

Robert Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what parts of the Iraqi document on weapons of mass destruction of 8 December 2002 were released to the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council; and what the response has been of those non-permanent members.

Bill Rammell: Under relevant non-proliferation conventions, China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are obliged to prevent the dissemination of information relating to the production of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.
	The President of the UN Security Council therefore decided that the full Iraqi declaration should be given only to these members of the Security Council, who also have the expertise to assess the risks of proliferation. His decision followed consultations with all members of the Security Council.
	The non-permanent members received the main body of the Declaration excluding a number of sensitive passages and words that were omitted by UNMOVIC and the IAEA who, after consulting the Security Council members with expertise to assess the risks of proliferation, judged them to contain information which might be of use to potential WMD proliferators.
	Several non-permanent members have expressed a wish to see the complete declaration. There continues to be discussion on whether arrangements should be made to enable non-permanent members to consult a copy of the full Declaration.

Iraq

Robert Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what procedures the United States gained first access to Iraq's document of 8 December 2002 on weapons of mass destruction.

Bill Rammell: Under relevant non-proliferation conventions, China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are obliged to prevent the dissemination of information relating to the production of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons.
	The President of the UN Security Council therefore decided that the full Iraqi declaration should be given only to these members of the Security Council who also have the expertise to assess the risks of proliferation. His decision followed consultations with all members of the Security Council.

ISAF

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he and the international community have to extend ISAF beyond Kabul.

Mike O'Brien: There are currently no plans to adjust ISAF's mandate. UNSCR 1444, adopted unanimously on 27 November 2002 following discussions among UN Security Council members, extends the existing ISAF mandate until 20 December 2003. As defined in UNSCR 1386 of 20 December 2001, this authorises ISAF to operate in Kabul and the surrounding area only.

Israel

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the number of (a) British citizens and (b) foreign nationals who have been (i) denied entry to Israel and (ii) deported from Israel over the last two years.

Mike O'Brien: (a) (i) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not keep statistics of British citizens denied entry to Israel.
	(ii) We do, however keep records on British nationals deported from Israel, which show that 12 British citizens have been deported from Israel in the last two
	years.
	(b) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not keep details of other foreign nationals denied entry to, or deported from, Israel.

Jamaica

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many additional staff are being posted to Kingston, Jamaica to deal with applications for visas to visit the UK from Jamaican nationals.

Bill Rammell: Five additional staff members have been posted to Kingston.

Job Sharing

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in his Department.

Mike O'Brien: Over 20 staff are currently job sharing. All Foreign and Commonwealth Office jobs are, in principle, open to job share unless the nature of the work prevents this. To aid placement a register is held on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Intranet, containing details of staff looking to job share.
	Job sharing is only one of a number of alternative and flexible working patterns in use at present. Other arrangements include staggered hours, flexi-time, home working, school working hours, term-time working and time off in lieu. We currently have 142 part timers—an increase of 35 per cent. since last year.

Organised Crime

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to advance co-operation between the UK and Italy on combating organised crime.

Mike O'Brien: In addition to regular and ongoing contacts with Italian partners the UK has appointed law enforcement liaison officers to our Embassy in Rome. These liaison officers work closely with the Italian law enforcement agencies and similar agencies in the region to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs involved in the illicit drugs trade, people trafficking and tobacco smuggling into the EU, particularly the UK.
	Italy is leading on judicial reform in Afghanistan. The UK, which leads on counter narcotics, is working closely with them on updating Afghanistan's drug laws.

Sickness Absence

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many days were lost due to sickness absence in the Department in 2002.

Mike O'Brien: The number of days per employee lost due to illness in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2002 and each of the five preceding years is as follows.
	
		
			  Number of days per employee 
		
		
			 2002 5.7 
			 2001 6.6 
			 2000 6.3 
			 1999 N/A 
			 1998 8.0 
			 1997 8.9 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures for 1997 to 1998 have been uplifted to account for different recording practices in different parts of the Department and its overseas posts.
	2. Figures for 1999 could be provided only at disproportionate costs, as the method of recording changed part way through 1999.
	3. FCO figures are recorded as total days (not working days).

Sickness Absence

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many working days have been lost due to illness in his Department in (a) 2002 and (b) each of the preceding five years.

Mike O'Brien: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) today (UIN 90546).

UK Prisoners (Saudi Arabia)

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Saudi Arabia concerning the seven United Kingdom citizens recently imprisoned on alcohol charges.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, and Ministerial colleagues have raised the cases of the British men detained in Saudi Arabia at the highest levels with the Saudi authorities. We remain deeply concerned about these cases. The men's welfare is our paramount concern. We continue to work tirelessly to resolve these cases. We are in close contact with the Saudi authorities and the men's lawyers. We also continue to make consular visits to the men.

UN Resolutions

Robert Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which UN resolutions relating to (a) Turkey, and (b) Israel remain to be enforced; and what action the Government have taken to ensure their enforcement.

Bill Rammell: Several UN Security Council resolutions (for example 365 (1974) and 367 (1975)) have called for Turkey's withdrawal from Cyprus since the invasion in 1974. The Government support the ongoing, UN-led process to resolve the Cyprus problem.
	Israel has not complied in full with UN Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1402 (2002) and 1435 (2002). But these resolutions also contain provisions calling on parties other than Israel to take certain action (for example agreeing a cease-fire, recognising Israel's sovereignty). We continue to support all efforts to resume the Middle East Peace Process, including through the work of the Quartet, of which the UN is a member.

UN Security Council

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the UK has exercised its veto in the UN Security Council in each year since 1990; and on what issues.

Bill Rammell: The UK has not exercised its veto in any of the years in question.

Women's Rights (Afghanistan)

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Afghanistan concerning women's rights in that country;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with the interim Government of Afghanistan concerning the abuse of women's rights in that country.

Mike O'Brien: We are in regular contact with the Afghan Transitional Administration about a range of human rights-related issues, including the need to ensure full respect for women's rights. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of progress in these areas at the Petersberg Conference in December 2002, which was attended by President Karzai. I raised our concerns with the Afghan Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah, Minister for Rural Reconstruction Hanif Atmar, and Chair of the Afghan Human Rights Commission Dr. Sima Samar when they visited the UK in October 2002.
	The Afghan Minister for Women, Habiba Surabi, will visit the UK in February for talks with Ministers and officials on how to improve the situation for women in
	Afghanistan.

PRIME MINISTER

EU Reform

Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister what measures he plans to take in relation to his proposals for European Union institutional reform, to strengthen the contacts between national parliaments of the EU.

Tony Blair: The Government have made a range of proposals in the Convention on the Future of Europe to strengthen the role of national parliaments in the EU, including on considering EU legislative proposals for compliance with subsidiarity. Such an increased role should help to strengthen contacts between national parliaments of the EU.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer of 18 December 2002, Official Report, column 835, what rules he is applying in respect of the release of the names of UK companies named in Iraq's declaration to the United Nations as supplying arms or weapon-making technology or material to Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: Information provided to us by UNMOVIC is done so in confidence, for the UK authorities to take appropriate action.
	The task of analysing the Iraqi declaration is continuing. It would be wrong to conclude without such further analysis that companies whose names appear may have acted wrongfully. The premature publication of the names of individuals or companies that may appear in the declaration could therefore unjustifiably damage the reputations of such individuals or companies. Any evidence of wrongdoing disclosed by the Iraqi declaration will be vigorously investigated by the relevant authority and, where appropriate, further announcements may be made.

Iraq

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral Answer of 15 January 2003, Official Report, column 680, to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Blunt), what the evidential basis was for his statement that the decision to seek an injunction is one for the Attorney General rather than the Government.

Tony Blair: The Attorney General has the power to apply to the courts for an injunction to prevent threatened criminal offences taking place. Under the common law, only the Attorney General can make such an application, because the courts have recognised that he represents the public interest before them. The power is exercised in his independent judgment in that role rather than as a member of the Government. This is the long-established position in relation to functions the Attorney General exercises in the public interest. In 1951 the then Attorney-General, Sir Hartley Shawcross, said:
	"The responsibility for the eventual decision rests with the Attorney General, and he is not to be put, and is not put, under pressure by his colleagues in the matter. Nor, of course, can the Attorney General shift his responsibility for making the decision on to the shoulders of his colleagues. If political considerations which in the broad sense that I have indicated affect Government in the abstract arise it is the Attorney General, applying his judicial mind, who has to be the sole judge of those considerations". [Hansard, 29 January 1951, volume 483, column 683].
	Although that was said in the context of prosecutions for criminal offences, it has been accepted by successive Governments ever since, that the same applies to the power to apply for an injunction.

Palestine Peace Conference

Llew Smith: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Palestine Peace Conference hosted in London on 14 January.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made on 15 January 2003, Official Report, columns 25–26WS.

Public Service Agreements

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Prime Minister which department is responsible for the delivery of its public service agreements.

Tony Blair: Each public service agreement includes a statement of who is responsible for delivery of the targets.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Health and Safety Executive

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has made an assessment of trends in the number of inspections carried out by local offices of the Health and Safety Executive since 1997.

Nick Brown: The information asked for is not readily available. However, the number of inspection contacts made by each of the divisions within HSE's Field Operations Directorate (FOD) since 1997 is in the table:
	
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Wales and West 17,168 16,203 14,071 12,254 13,097 
			 Home Counties 11,643 10,996 10,477 9,697 6,514 
			 London and South East 15,292 12,899 11,359 10,520 9,316 
			 Midlands 11,113 9,160 8,834 8,138 7,494 
			 Yorks and North East 11,926 11,292 10,996 8,421 8,862 
			 North West 12,368 11,171 10,915 10,631 8,952 
			 Scotland 10,970 8,784 8,477 8,204 8,372 
			 Totals 90,480 80,505 75,129 67,865 62,607 
		
	
	The decrease in the numbers of inspections is directly related to the increasing number of investigations (of both incidents and complaints) and the complexity of those investigations. Investigations take much longer than inspections and so it is inevitable that more investigations mean fewer inspections. HSE has also taken action to increase their other preventive work including seminars, conferences and awareness days.

Health and Safety Strategy

Helen Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  whether his Department and its agencies have met the commitment arising from Action Point 13 of the June 2000 strategy statement on Revitalising Health and Safety, to summarise health and safety performance and plans in annual reports from the year 2000–01 onwards;
	(2)  which senior officials within his Department and its agencies take responsibility for health and safety at board or equivalent level; and where their names are publicised;
	(3)  what information he has collated on the application to his Department and its agencies of the checklist, circulated by letter by Sir Richard Mottram, referred to under Action Point 12 of the Revitalising Health and Safety Strategy statement; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: In accordance with Action Point 14 of the Revitalising Health and Safety Strategy, a High Level Forum (HLF), comprising representatives from all main Government Departments to provide leadership on health and safety management issues within the civil service was established in January 2001. On behalf of this group, Sir Richard Mottram circulated the ministerial checklist referred to in Action Point 12 in July 2001. In August 2002, HLF issued a Good Practice Guide to all Departments and their agencies reminding them of the current legal requirements that they should meet and setting out a number of basic aims which they should look to have in place. These included having in place a Health and Safety Policy Statement, a nominated Board member with responsibility for Health and Safety, a report on health and safety performance in annual reports (Action Point 13) and a properly structured health and safety management system linked to adoption of the ministerial checklist (Action Point 12) and the Health and Safety Executive's guidance Successful Health and Safety Management (HSG 65).
	The High Level Forum is currently reviewing progress made by Departments in the adoption of the checklist and guidance.
	Within the Department for Work and Pensions a new Health and Safety Policy Statement was signed in October 2001. This is implemented through a structured health and safety management system, and in particular though Statements of Internal Control.
	As with all Departments, the Permanent Secretary takes overall responsibility for health and safety. At departmental board level the Director of Human Resources has been given particular responsibility and, in addition, Jobcentre Plus, the Department's largest agency with some 85,000 staff has appointed a full-time Director of Safety. The DWP departmental report published in May 2002 sets out the new arrangements including the resetting of baselines against which rigorous targets for reductions in work-related accidents and ill health can be set. Details of progress against these targets will be published in future reports.

National Insurance Contributions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library a copy of each edition of leaflets that his Department has produced addressing the issue of married women's reduced rate national insurance contributions since 1973.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply. 
	I have done so today.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Arts and Culture (Expenditure)

Jim Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what decisions have been taken on the distribution of the £257 million, designated to arts and culture under the 2002 spending review; and what proportion will be allocated to (a) heritage buildings and (b) the historic environment.

Kim Howells: Allocations for the spending review period have been made to all the Department's sponsored bodies and other programmes, and these will be set out in the Department's annual report. 5 per cent. of the Spending Review uplift has been allocated to the architecture and historic environment budget line, building on a baseline of £152 million.

Cricket

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much financial support for cricket has been provided this financial year by agencies and organisations which she funds.

Richard Caborn: Sport England makes substantial contributions to the funding of cricket, the majority of which is for grass-roots development. 2002–03 funding for cricket to date has totalled approximately £13,036,030, of which £205,000 was Exchequer funding.

Cricket World Cup

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to hold further discussions with the ECB regarding the Cricket World Cup; and what discussions she has had with other Governments whose cricket teams are participating in the Cricket World Cup.

Richard Caborn: With my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, I met representatives of the England and Wales Cricket Board on 9 January. There are no further meetings scheduled. However, as my right hon. Friend made clear to the ECB, the Government will respond fully to requests from cricket for advice on the security and other issues raised by the Cricket World Cup.
	DCMS Ministers have had no discussions with the Governments of other nations participating in the World Cup. Such discussions are matters for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the distribution of her Department's wholetime equivalent staff was, including the staff in agencies and other bodies reporting to her, in each Government office region and nation of the UK (a) in 1996 and (b) at the most recent available period.

Kim Howells: I refer my hon Friend to the answer given by my hon Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 15 January 2003, Official Report, column 609.
	Namely that the numbers of staff in each department (including its agencies) are shown in tables copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House. The figures show the data at the 1 April each year, and are based on the full-time equivalent figures for the number of permanent staff in each department, rounded down to the nearest ten. Data are shown by Government office region, with columns giving the total number of staff in England and the UK.

Film Makers

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding from her Department and its agencies is available to British independent film-makers.

Kim Howells: In April 2000 my Department set up the Film Council which distributes lottery funds to support the British film industry. In the financial year 2001–02 it received just over £33 million of lottery money for this purpose.
	In addition to providing support for training and other initiatives, it runs three principle production funds to which British film makers can apply: the Premiere Fund, the New Cinema Fund, and the Development Fund.

Hotel Development (London)

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what targets her Department has set for hotel development in London; and what assessment she has made of performance against them.

Kim Howells: Good progress has been made towards the targets set in, and subsequent to, Tomorrow's Tourism for hotel development in London. The Government consider that further capacity, including budget accommodation, is still necessary. However, responsibility for tourism matters in London is now devolved to the Mayor and the London Assembly. The Mayor's recently published strategy document, 'Visit London', addresses accommodation supply and more specific proposals for futuredevelopment will be included in the forthcoming 'Action Plan'.

Hotels and Guesthouses

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures her Department has taken to introduce a grading scheme for hotels and guesthouses; and what assessment she has made of them since their introduction.

Kim Howells: The harmonized National Quality Assurance Schemes (NQAS) for hotels and guesthouses were successfully launched in September 1999. The English Tourism Council has co-ordinated various forms of ongoing assessment at an operational level, including the reaction of both industry and consumers. The Government consider that more emphasis is also required on improving quality at the bottom end of the scale and will pilot a new fit for purpose initiative to address the problem of unsatisfactory hotels and guesthouses. Total membership has of the harmonized schemes has risen, with benefits in occupancy levels for members, but not as much as had been hoped. Therefore, a two-stage review of NQAS is being planned. The first stage will start very soon and consider harmonizing the schemes across Great Britain. The second will relate to England and look at matters such as the efficiency of inspections and the level of promotion.

Paper Supplies

Sue Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who the suppliers are of her Department's (a) paper and (b) paper products.

Kim Howells: All paper purchased for use in photocopiers, printers and fax machines is recycled paper and is supplied by contracted stationery supplier Corporate Express. Other paper products and print are sourced wherever the specific contract dictates and where best value for money can be obtained.

Rugby

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assistance she will provide (a) to the Rugby Football League in helping promote supporters trusts within rugby league and (b) to rugby league clubs wishing to establish supporters trusts.

Richard Caborn: DCMS established Supporters Direct in 2000 to assist groups of supporters in forming and administering club-based trusts. Supporters Direct's remit covers Association Football only, and it is funded from football sources. In response to requests from supporters and clubs, Supporters Direct has provided informal assistance in the formation of trusts at a number of rugby league clubs over the last year. Officials in the Department are in discussion with Supporters Direct and others with a view to formalising this arrangement, and to providing Supporters Direct with the additional resources it will need to provide a high quality service to rugby league.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  if she will list the organisations and individuals attending the Tourism summit in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002;
	(2)  what measures her Department is taking as a result of the Tourism summits in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002;
	(3)  when her Department held Tourism summits in (a) 1999, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002.

Kim Howells: The first Tourism summit of pan-Government Ministers and other key players in the tourism industry was held on 1 March 2000. Three subsequent summit meetings have been held on 6 March 2001, 5 March 2002 and 26 November 2002. The final reports of the first three summits held, which include details of the organisations and individuals that attended these meetings, are available on the DCMS website (www.culture.gov.uk/tourism). The reports also record the progress made in implementing the various aspects of the Government's strategy for tourism and the key conclusions and actions arising from the meetings to assist the development of tourism. The report of the fourth summit, held on 26 November 2002, is currently being cleared for publication with attendees. It will also be available shortly on the DCMS website.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent measures her Department has taken to support regional tourism; and what assessment she has made of those measures.

Kim Howells: As announced on 31 October 2002, the Regional Development Agencies will, from 1 April 2003, play a stronger part in the strategic leadership of tourism and the Regional Tourist Boards will be their natural partners. The RDAs will receive at least £3.6million for each of the next three years to distribute to the RTBs for activity in line with regional tourism strategies and within the national policy framework for tourism. Guidance has been issued to RDAs on how tourism should be covered in their Corporate Plans and Regional Economic Strategies; Corporate Plans for 2003–06 are currently being submitted to Government for approval. The RDAs will also be represented on the board of the new national tourism body, whose initial chairman has been announced as Sir Michael Lickiss, who until recently chaired the South-West RDA.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department has taken to regenerate traditional tourist (a) resorts, (b) amenities and (c) services.

Kim Howells: The Government consider not just regeneration of traditional tourism but also the generation of new activity, in line with developing consumer tastes, to be hugely important. Building on Government strategy in Tomorrow's Tourism, the English Tourism Council published 'Sea Changes', which outlines recommendations for successful regeneration of England's traditional resorts. A key point is that tourism may well play an important role in resort regeneration, but will rarely be the sole source of a sustainable local economy. Local government recognises the importance of tourism and its document 'A Change of Scene', which this Department supported, sets out many useful ideas for dealing with tourism-related regeneration. The Government's view is that local government has a key role in improving and supporting the regeneration of resorts, amenities and services, as do the regions, the private sector and its trade associations, and many central government departments. In line with Tomorrow's Tourism, much progress has been made, including, for instance, initiatives on accommodation quality (including the lower end of the market) and programmes to improve bathing water standards and beach amenities (now better than ever before). Local Authorities are well aware that other services they provide, such as visitor information or the provision of litter services, contribute significantly towards the creation of attractive environments and lead to improvements in visitor experience. Our recently announced new emphasis on domestic marketing and the regional dimension to tourism strategy, will help stimulate focus on the importance of maintaining high quality amenities and services for tourism across the country, including our traditional resorts.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department has taken to develop niche tourism markets, broken down by type; and what assessment she has made of those measures.

Kim Howells: Recent BTA campaigns have been themed around Britain's key strengths of great heritage, great countryside, great sport and great cities. The BTA evaluates the impact of its campaigns in the overseas markets in which they run. A new overseas strategy will advance this approach further by introducing market-specific campaign themes and marketing tools.
	We anticipate that the England Marketing Advisory Board will consider introducing similarly focused campaigns for the domestic market, in due course.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department has taken to integrate the promotion of British cultural heritage and countryside attractions.

Kim Howells: Britain's cultural heritage and countryside are key attractions for overseas visitors. The BTA uses strengths such as these to develop its campaigns, such as one on Cities for 2003 and another on Outdoor Britain for 2004.
	We anticipate that the England Marketing Advisory Board will consider introducing, in due course, campaigns for the domestic market which are similarly focussed on our key strengths.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many employers in the hospitality and tourism-related sector have been signed up under her Department's towards the Investors in People standard since 1999.

Kim Howells: An action point in the 1999 strategy document Tomorrow's Tourism was for a hospitality industry programme to sign up 500 employers to work towards Investor in People standard to help raise the quality of training in the industry. Latest available figures show that the number of hospitality organisations recognised as achieving Investors in People status has increased from 865 in September 1999 to 1,215 in August 2001. In addition, 957 organisations were signed up to working towards the accreditation in August 2001.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when in the last 12 months her Department held a careers festival and image campaign to raise the profile and promote the image of careers in the hospitality industry; and how much was spent.

Kim Howells: My Department works pro-actively with Springboard UK the specialist industry body responsible for promoting career opportunities in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry. They hold Career Festivals every 12–18 months. The last Festival was held in October 2001 and this Department contributed £15,000 towards two magazines focussing on careers in the sector which were launched at it. No Festival was held in 2002. We are currently working with them on their fourth Careers Festival taking place from 31 March to the 6 April 2003 and my Department is represented on the Festival Executive Committee. The Festival is intended to help build a more positive image of the sector and raise awareness of the range and diversity of career prospects within the industry.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what steps her Department has taken to develop internet systems to deliver worldwide tourist bookings and provide information on attractions and travel options;
	(2)  what steps her Department has taken to encourage the provision of computerised tourist booking and information services.

Kim Howells: In 2002, Government awarded £3.6 million to the EnglandNet project to develop a world class on-line tourism network for England. EnglandNet will provide quality-assured tourism information and empower tourism businesses to sell their product through new electronic outlets.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what financial assessment she has made of her Department's overseas visitors promotion programme in each year since 1997–98.

Kim Howells: The British Tourist Authority, which is responsible for promoting Britain overseas, evaluates its activities, and results show that, for every £1 of baseline grant-in-aid awarded to the BTA by the Department, the following amounts in additional expenditure by overseas visitors have been generated:
	
		£ 
		
			  Spend 
		
		
			 1997–98 28 
			 1998–99 27 
			 1999–2000 29 
			 2000–01 30 
			 2001–02 26

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department has spent on developing its overseas visitors promotion programme in each year since 1997–98.

Kim Howells: The British Tourist Authority, which is responsible for promoting Britain overseas, has been awarded baseline grant-in-aid by the Department as follows:
	
		
			 Year 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Grant (£million) 35 35 36 37 35.5 
		
	
	In addition, £14.2m was awarded in 2001–02 and a further £19m in 2002–03 from the reserve in order to drive forward a strategy to help tourism recover from the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak and the attacks of 11 September.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what initiatives her Department has developed to widen access to tourism for people who do not take a long holiday.

Kim Howells: DCMS works with both the industry and relevant bodies to encourage ways of making tourism accessible and more inclusive to these groups which tend not to take long holidays. Initiatives developed by the English Tourism Council (ETC) and Regional Tourist Boards include the enhanced National Accessible Scheme, the creation of an accessible website and the Access 21 project which are aimed at helping people with disabilities take holidays. Other examples of relevant initiatives include the recently launched website, Just Me and the Kids, which gives information to help single parent families plan holidays in Lancashire; the launch of a North West Marketing Kit and a destination manager handbook, currently being worked on by ETC, both of which outline the benefits to the industry of creating an inclusive environment.

Tourism

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she has taken to publish a blueprint for the sustainable development of tourism.

Kim Howells: The English Tourism Council (ETC) published Time for Action, a strategy for sustainable tourism in England, in April 2001. The British Tourist Authority published Sustainable Tourists, a strategy for the sustainable growth of inbound tourism to Britain, in October 2001.

Tourism (England)

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department has taken to establish a strategic national body for the English tourism industry.

Kim Howells: Since the announcement in October last year of plans for reform of the Government's support for tourism, the chairs of the English Tourism Council and British Tourist Authority have led a restructuring of the strengths and skills of both organisations into a lead national tourism body to be launched in April 2003. A policy group comprising representatives of all sectors of the tourism industry is overseeing their progress. The new body is designed to provide a more efficient service to promote inbound tourism to Britain and to market tourism in England to the domestic market.

Tourism (London)

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent by her Department on marketing London tourism in the last 12 months.

Kim Howells: In 2002–03 my Department will grant aid the Greater London Authority £1.9 million in respect of its statutory tourism responsibilities, of which £1.5 million is specifically for marketing London as a tourist destination, both in its own right and as a gateway to the UK regions. In addition, London has benefited from the £54.5 million grant-in-aid to the British Tourism Authority in 2002–03 for the promotion of Britain abroad.

World Heritage Status

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the UK's nominations for world heritage site status in 2003.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make an announcement regarding the UK's 2003 nomination for world heritage site status by the end of this month.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Animal By-products

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the European Commission about the compatibility with the EU Animal By-Products Regulation of her proposals to allow the composting of catering waste and its spreading on land.

Margaret Beckett: The UK was involved at all stages of negotiation of the EU Animal By-Products Regulation, and we consider our proposals on the composting of catering waste are in line with the requirements of that legislation, although we have asked the Commission for clarification on one point. We have also notified them or our proposals under the Technical Standards Directive.

Animal By-products

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will announce the Government's conclusions following her Department's consultation on changes to the Animal By-Products Order 1999 to allow the composting of catering waste and its spreading on land.

Margaret Beckett: The consultation period on the composting of catering waste closes on 12 February 2003. Taking into account the comments received in the
	consultation exercise, the final Statutory Instrument will be amended, made and announced as soon as possible thereafter.

Animal Sales

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what initiatives she intends to take to encourage the use of alternatives to animal markets by direct sales, internet and video links.

Elliot Morley: The development of marketing channels for farm animals is principally a matter for the livestock and meat industries. Through its support for the Red Meat Industry Forum the Government is helping these industries in finding ways to improve the red meat supply chain.

Capital Assets

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, further to her answer of 17 December 2002 question 85010, what the value is of the capital assets held by the Environment Agency that can be classed as (a) land and buildings and (b) plant and machinery.

Margaret Beckett: The Environment Agency has supplied the following figures for the value of its capital assets as at 31 March 2002:
	
		
			  £000 
		
		
			  
			  
			 Land and buildings 1,768,025 
			 Plant and machinery 109,355 
			 Other—including assets under construction 84,831 
			 Total 1,962,211

Civil Servants (Leadership Review)

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) terms of reference, (b) purpose and (c) timescale are of her Department's leadership review.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 January 2003
	The leadership review flows from the Joint Strategic Review of Defra, carried out by the Department jointly with the Office of Public Service Reform. The Joint Strategic Review examined how Defra operated, and identified both the strengths it could build on and the areas it needed to improve to become a high-performing Department. This included a study of the kind of leadership Defra would need. The purpose of the leadership review is to: (i) develop and introduce a 'leadership profile' for Defra staff from top down to G7; (ii) implement a programme of Development Centres and supporting coaching based on the leadership profile and which also builds on earlier leadership development; (iii) focus future learning on supporting the change in culture and performance identified by the Joint Strategic Review; (iv) help individuals reduce any gaps between current and desired skills and competencies; and (v) generate a culture of learning within Defra so that staff outside the target group are properly supported in their own learning and development.
	A pilot Development Centre is scheduled to run in March 2003, with rollout across Defra from April 2003, and completion planned for July 2004. Following attendance at the centre participants will undertake coaching and other training for a period of at least a year.

Civil Servants (Leadership Review)

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria she will use to assess the performance of civil servants subject to her Department's leadership review.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 January 2003
	Defra has developed a leadership profile, which will be used to assess individuals participating in its leadership development programme. It describes the skills and behaviour required to be an effective leader.

Civil Servants (Leadership Review)

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who will carry out the assessments of civil servants under her Department's leadership review.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 January 2003
	The leadership development programme is being managed by the Department's Human Resources function. A consultancy has been selected to design and deliver the programme.

Civil Servants (Leadership Review)

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many officials, at which grades, will be subject to her Department's leadership review.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 January 2003
	All 150 members of the senior civil service in Defra will participate in its leadership development programme, as will other managers in Grades 6 and 7 who occupy leadership roles in the Department, some two dozen and 380 respectively. Others in specialist and technical roles who aspire to senior management positions may also choose to participate. The number of officials participating is therefore approximately 560.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what budget has been allocated to (a) create and (b) maintain the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database; how much has been spent and is planned to be spent in each financial year; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Defra is meeting the full external costs of developing the database by way of contributions to the Environment Agency. Up to and including the current financial year, this has amounted to some £2.2 million.
	Management and on-going maintenance will be funded from normal operating budgets of the Agency. The Business Case anticipates that there will be a significant net gain from the expected savings in improved efficiency of data management and operational activities.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which organisations have access to the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database; what plans she has to allow further access; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Environment Agency advise that the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database (NFCDD) is now available to staff within the EA and will subsequently be made available to all other operating authorities with responsibilities for Flood and Coastal Defence as well as to Defra and the National Assembly for Wales.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) terms and (b) objectives are of her Departments' contract with Scisys for the provison of the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database.

Margaret Beckett: The Department has no contract with Science Systems Ltd. SciSys is one of the Environment Agency's Framework Partners for provision of IT Systems Development and Support. The objectives of the contract for the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database (NFCDD) are for the development and subsequent support of Phase One and Two of the system.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what reports she has received from (a) the Environment Agency, (b) Coastal Defence Groups, and (c) Coastal Protection Authorities about the implementation of High Level Targets 6a and 6b; and what action has been taken to inspect coast protection assets in pursuance of High Level Target 6A.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 13 January 2003
	A number of coastal groups, on behalf of coast protection authorities, have submitted reports on inspection programmes and assessments of coastal erosion risk as required by High Level Target 6; no such reports are required from the Environment Agency. However it has been recognised that it would be useful to develop a methodology for a more consistent approach to the assessment of coastal erosion risk. To that end Defra will be forming a working group with representatives from the coastal groups to consider what research is needed, and the outcome will inform future reports for this High Level Target.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what proportion of (a) England and Wales by area, (b) coastline in England and Wales and (c) properties at risk of flooding information is now available on the national flood and coastal defence database.

Margaret Beckett: Information on flood defences for the coastline of England and Wales and all main rivers is available in the national flood and coastal defence database (NFCDD) to staff within the Environment Agency. General flood plain information on properties at risk is available by inclusion in NFCDD of the indicative maps.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when final testing for Phase One of the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database was completed; what progress has been made with Phase Two; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Environment Agency have confirmed that Phase One of the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database (NFCDD) has been successfully tested within the EA, but testing with the other operating authorities is not yet complete. The development of Phase Two of the NFCDD is currently being completed and is planned to be implemented in the EA and available to the operating authorities, together with Phase One, by June 2003.

Coastal Defence

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much money was spent by the Environment Agency on (a) flood protection and flood management and (b) coastal defence in (i) 2000–01, (ii) 2001–02 and (iii) 2002–03; and if she will place in the Library an analysis by project of each year's expenditure.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 14 January 2003
	Expenditure by the Environment Agency in England for managing flood risk from main rivers and the sea is:
	
		£ 000s 
		
			 2000–01 (actual) 2001–02 (actual) 2002–03 (forecast) 
		
		
			 259,462 307,771 349,128 
		
	
	I regret an analysis of the above by (a) flood protection and flood management and (b) coastal defence, together with an analysis by project of each year's expenditure, could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the distribution of her Department's wholetime equivalent staff was, including the staff in agencies and other bodies reporting to her, in each Government office region and nation of the UK (a) in 1996 and (b) at the most recent available period.

Alun Michael: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 15 January, Official Report, column 609W.

Documentation

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answers of 16 December 2002, Official Report, column 576W and the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 18 December 2002, Official Report, column 801W, if she will make a statement on the reason underlying the number of copies of the document (a) printed and (b) distributed; and what the cost of its production and distribution was.

Michael Meacher: We arranged for 5,000 copies of the consultation document to be printed because we believed this would be a sufficient number to allow distribution to all stakeholders with an interest in the issues set out in the document. The 5,000 figure also allowed for the Department to retain sufficient copies which could be distributed to members of the public who made direct requests for copies.
	1,400 copies were handed out at the Urban Summit, where the consultation was launched. Over 2,000 copies were initially sent out to local authorities, police, businesses, trade associations, Government Departments and a variety of other agencies and bodies. We sent a copy to all bodies known to have a direct interest in the outcome of the proposals set out in the consultation. The majority of the remaining copies have since been sent out to people who made direct approaches to the Policy Team in the Department and the Department's publications section.
	The total cost of production of the Defra consultation document was £12,000. Initial distribution was handled by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister when it published its own document, "Living Places—Cleaner, Safer, Greener". The initial distribution cost for the two documents was £5,241.50.

Drainage Boards

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list (a) the local drainage boards for England and Wales and (b) the budget of each board for (i) 2000–01, (ii) 2001–02, (iii) 2002–03, (iv) 2003–04 and (v) 2004–05.

Margaret Beckett: A list of drainage boards wholly or partly in England, together with income and expenditure figures for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02, have today been placed in the Libraries of the House. Information for later years is not yet available, as this is submitted on an annual basis. Flood defence is a fully devolved responsibility and the information related to boards in Wales should be sought from the National Assembly.

Drainage Boards

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the future of local drainage boards.

Margaret Beckett: The current institutional arrangements for flood and coastal defence are currently being considered in the Flood and Coastal Defence Funding Review. While, along with ministerial colleagues, I am currently considering the conclusions of the review, I would expect to see a continuing role for internal drainage boards as, whatever future arrangements evolve, the Environment Agency could not take on all the essentially local work done by the Boards. It will, however, be necessary to ensure that, under future arrangements, the Boards are structured in such a way that they can deliver their responsibilities and duties effectively.

Early Retirement

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what sums she has allocated in the current financial year and in each of the next three years for (a) the costing and training and (b) early retirements expected to arise from her Department's leadership review.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 January 2003
	£7 million has been allocated over the next three years for the leadership development programme. £429 thousand has been set aside for the current financial year. The profile of expenditure for individual years has yet to be agreed within the Department. The leadership review will combine development and some assessment. Most people who go through the Development Centres will continue to work in Defra, making use of a leadership development programme which will follow up training and development needs identified at the centres. For some, it is expected that the results will encourage them to seek early retirement. To meet that eventuality, £3 million, £7 million and £7 million have been earmarked over the next three financial years respectively. There are no staff reduction targets or estimates of the numbers likely to leave Defra following participation in the leadership development programme.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the (a) duration of and (b) reasons for the recent suspension of public access to the Environment Agency's website.

Margaret Beckett: The Environment Agency's website suffered problems in its service between 1–6 January. This was primarily because of the excessive load during that period and in spite of previous testing to ensure that flood incident loads could be met. A number of technical changes have now been carried out to improve the site's performance.
	While this reduction in service was regrettable, the agency's website is not the primary means of providing flood warning. The main flood warning systems operated effectively, including the agency's Floodline telephone service, automatic voice warning systems, news media information and direct manual warnings in flood warned areas.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what reports she has received from the Environment Agency in pursuance of its duty under High Level Target 5b.

Margaret Beckett: The Agency has provided a draft report under this target for 2001–02 but information in it is still being validated between the Agency and the Local Government Association.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much public money (a) was and (b) is planned to be allocated to the Environment Agency for each year from 2000–01 to 2005–06 in respect of (i) flood protection and flood management and (ii) coastal defence.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 14 January 2003
	The two sources of public funding to support the Environment Agency's work in England in managing the risk of flooding from main rivers and the sea are levies on local authorities as agreed by Flood Defence Committees and grant for specific capital projects and contributions to national initiatives provided by Defra. The former are reimbursed to a large extent by funding to local authorities from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Figures for public monies allocated in the current and two past years are:
	
		£ million 
		
			  2000–01(13) 2001–02(13) 2002–03(14) 
		
		
			 Defra capital grant for specific projects and contributions to national initiatives 41.9 61.5 70.0 
			 Local authority levies 214.6 233.6 247.8 
			 Total 256.5 295.1 317.8 
		
	
	I regret an analysis of the above by (a) flood protection and flood management and (b) coastal defence could not be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.
	For future years, provision is:
	
		£ million 
		
			  2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 Defra capital grant for specific projects to all operating authorities and contributions to Agency national initiatives(13) 126 129 154 
			 ODPM funding to support local authority levies to the Agency and their own spend on management of flood and coastal erosion risk 295 332 382 
		
	
	(13) For all flood and coastal defence operating authorities—the Environment Agency, local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards.
	I cannot be more specific about these years as Defra capital allocations and local authority levies are still being decided for 2003–04 and have not been considered at all yet for the later years.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria are used by the Environment Agency to decide which flood defence assets to inspect in accordance with High Level Target 4.

Margaret Beckett: High Level Target 4 relates to the development of the National Flood and Coastal Defence Database and does not require the inspection of any flood defence assets.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) flood defence assets, (b) main rivers and (c) critical ordinary watercourses were inspected by the Environment Agency during (i) 2001–02, and (ii) 2002–03, in accordance with High Level Target 5a.

Margaret Beckett: The Agency has provided a draft report under this target for 2001–02, but information in it is still being validated between the Agency and the Local Government Association.
	The report for 2002–03 is not due until April 2003.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she has received the Environment Agency's report on flood warning service standards, due in September 2002.

Margaret Beckett: High Level Target 2 requires the Environment Agency to report to Defra annually in April on achievement of their flood warning service standards. The latest report to Defra, covering April 2001 to March 2002, was published in May 2002 and I am therefore not expecting a further report until April 2003.

Environment Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what objectives she has set the Environment Agency to improve its performance in meeting its two hour flood warning target.

Margaret Beckett: All High Level Targets are to be reviewed this year, including those relating to flood warning under target 2.

Flood Prevention

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will publish the national assessment of flood risk.

Margaret Beckett: This Department, as an aid for planning by all flood and coastal operating authorities, commissioned research to produce a national appraisal of the assets at risk from flooding and coastal erosion in 1999. The results were published in July 2000 and an update version was published in September 2001. Further research on large scale risk assessment has since been carried out under the joint Environment Agency/Defra research programme in flood management and results of the first phase of this work have been applied to the latest information collated for input to the national flood and coastal defence database. The results of this research application which take account of updated estimates of property flood damage from other research are currently being compiled and reviewed. They will be made available once the necessary quality checks have been completed. It should be stressed that the new research methodology is at the leading edge of developments in risk analysis at this scale so the results will have to be interpreted with some caution.

Flood Prevention

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the most recent meeting was between Ministers in her Department and the Association of British Insurers to discuss flood prevention; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The most recent meeting was on 17 September 2002 following which the ABI issued their Statement of Principles to apply from 1 January 2003. There are also regular discussions between my officials and the ABI.

Flooding

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions there have been within the last six months between the Environment Agency and the insurance industry on the relationship between flood defence provision and the continuation of insurance cover for property owners against the risk of flooding.

Margaret Beckett: There has been regular discussion between the Environment Agency and the insurance industry on this subject during the last six months, which contributed to the announcement in September 2002 by the Association of British Insurers of their Statement of Principle, and there has subsequently been a continuing dialogue between the ABI and the EA on the information to be provided.

Foot and Mouth

Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will instruct her Department to make payments on account to Mr. Houldey of Granthouse, Berwickshire, a sub-contractor of Peter Boddy Ltd.

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether animal grazing will be permitted in 2003 on sites used for mass burning of carcasses during the foot and mouth epidemic.

Elliot Morley: Each site used for mass burial will be reviewed. As a general rule, where the ash has been removed or buried in accordance with Defra and Environment Agency/SEPA guidelines, and where the sites have been fully reinstated, there are no overriding reasons why grazing should not be permitted this year.
	[holding answer 7 January 2003]: The Department has no contractual relationship with Mr. Houldey of Granthouse, Berwickshire. No entitlement to payments on account arises. Financial matters pertaining to the commercial relationship between Peter Boddy Ltd. and their sub-contractor, Mr. Houldey, are entirely their responsibility, as is normal in any contractual relationship of this kind.

Fraud

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her estimate is of the cost of theft and fraud to (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies in 2002.

Alun Michael: The Department's annual return of actual and suspected fraud and corruption submitted to HMT for the year 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 showed the following:
	
		
			  Total cost (£) 
		
		
			  
			 Core-DEFRA 99,744 
			 Agencies 226,11 
			 Non-departmental public bodies N/A

Illegal Meat Imports

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many seizures of illegally imported meat were made at (a) Stranraer and (b) Cairnryan in each year since 1999.

Elliot Morley: No seizures of illegally imported meat made at Stranraer or Cairnryan have been reported to DEFRA, HM Customs or the Scottish Executive. These ports handle internal United Kingdom traffic from Northern Ireland, and vessels do not use them as their first point of call in the European Union.

Lake Pollution

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of lakes in the UK are designated as polluted.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency does not monitor all lakes in England on a routine basis but takes action where there is evidence of a water quality problem.
	A study commissioned by English Nature in the 1990s showed that 46 per cent. of lakes designated as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) showed nutrient enrichment. This can affect water quality in some circumstances.
	English Nature are carrying out condition reassessments on these SSSIs. Results will be available later this year.
	Since this is a devolved matter, this reply relates to England only.

Meat Hygiene

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the costs to British abattoirs of complying with (a) the official feed and food control regulations and (b) the arrangements for blood storage and disposal included in the Animal By-Products Regulations.

Margaret Beckett: The Commission has not yet made proposals on charges to abattoirs for health inspections but we have made plain our preference for the existing structure and levels of meat hygiene charges. With respect to disposal of blood, officials are working with industry representatives to achieve satisfactory outcomes both in terms of regulatory requirements and the ability of industry to change existing practices at minimum cost and disruption.

Mineral Water

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her latest estimate is of the number of litres of bottled mineral water consumed in the UK, in the last period for which figures are available.

Elliot Morley: It is estimated that 741 million litres of mineral water were consumed in the UK in the 12-month period starting in April 2001. This estimate is based upon records of consumer purchases from the Expenditure and Food Survey.

Postcodes

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what use her Department and its agencies make of postcode areas for (a) the collection and publication of data, (b) devising formulae for the distribution of grants and awards and (c) the delivery of services; and when such usages were last reviewed.

Alun Michael: Postcoded data are used extensively by Defra and the Countryside Agency in the collection and publication of data on rural services. Postcoded data are not used for categories (b) and (c).

Research Contract

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the organisations who (a) were invited to tender and (b) tendered unsuccessfully for the research contract which was awarded to MCM Research Ltd.

Alun Michael: Five organisations in total were invited to tender. These were the University of Birmingham, University of the West of England, Ken Dibble Acoustics, Symonds Group and MCM Research Ltd. All the organisations except the University of Birmingham submitted tenders and all but MCM Research Ltd. were unsuccessful.

RIMNET3

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what research has been conducted by or for her Department on the effectiveness of RIMNET3;
	(2)  what role her Department has in the maintenance and running of RIMNET3; and what changes have taken place and are planned to this system.

Michael Meacher: DEFRA is the lead Government Department with responsibility for the co-ordination of the UK response to overseas nuclear accidents. RIMNET3 will replace the existing RIMNET (Radioactive Incident Monitoring Network) system which was developed and put in place in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. DEFRA is responsible for ensuring the operation and maintenance of the RIMNET system but all Government Departments and Agencies with responsibilities to respond to an overseas nuclear accident have access to the system and each is individually responsible for negotiating support and maintenance contracts with the prime support contractor (Siemens).
	The RIMNET3 supply, support and maintenance contract was let to Logica plc in 1992 following an international competitive tender exercise. As RIMNET3 is not yet operational, the support and maintenance provisions have not yet been implemented and no research has been undertaken on its effectiveness in use. However, the RIMNET Co-ordinating Committee brings together representatives from the appropriate Government Departments and Agencies and all their requirements have been reflected in the design and development process. RIMNET3 will deliver all the functionality of the existing RIMNET system on more up-to-date technology and using commercially available software. There is a planned "technology refresh" during the 10-year life of RIMNET3 and any required improvements identified through regular testing of the system and through the extensive programme of domestic and international emergency exercises, will be implemented as appropriate.

School Fruit Scheme

Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will fund the provision of organic fruit to school children as part of the national school fruit scheme.

Michael Meacher: The national school fruit scheme will entitle every child aged 4 to 6 to a free piece of fruit each school day from 2004. The scheme is currently being expanded to all eligible schools through large scale pilots on a region by region basis with funding of £42 million from the new opportunities fund.
	Since most organic fruit is currently imported, direct funding of the provision of organic fruit would result in increased imports at least in the short-term. However, we shall assist growers to respond to the consumer demand for organically produced fruit by means of a conversion aid which it is intended will start later this year.

Sheep (EU Regulations)

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from the farming industry on the proposed EU Draft Regulations on the double-tagging of sheep; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The main industry associations with an interest in these proposals have been consulted and we await their views. In addition, we have received a number of representations from individuals in the industry expressing concerns over the potential impact of the proposals on their businesses.

Sheep (EU Regulations)

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice she has received on the animal welfare implications of the use of distance-readable tags proposed in the EU Draft Regulations on sheep tagging; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: The EU proposals do not provide for distance-readable tags but do require tags to be applied on a place easily visible at a distance. We shall be seeking views on the proposals from the Farm Animal Welfare Council, other animal welfare organisations and from Government veterinary officials.

Sheep Tagging

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the European Commission's draft regulations for the tagging of sheep.

Margaret Beckett: The Government support the European Commission's objectives to improve sheep and goat identification and traceability in order to control the spread of animal diseases.
	However, the Commission's proposals in their present form could cause practical problems for the UK sheep industry. The Government will be negotiating to try and ensure that that the eventual Regulations are both workable and enforceable, and that the timescales for implementation are realistic.

Sulphur Emissions

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are in place to encourage power plants to reduce their SO2 emissions and to increase the use of flue gas desulphurisation systems.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 13 January 2003
	Power plants are currently regulated under the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) regime. IPC is established by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and regulates industrial pollution through a system of permits. Operators are required to demonstrate that they would be carrying out the Best Available Techniques not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC) for their activities before being issued an authorisation to operate. BATNEEC is applied to prevent, and where that is not practicable, to minimise releases of substances to air, water and land.
	Authorisations set strict limits for sulphur dioxide emissions for the given power plant. In demonstrating the use of BATNEEC the operator would be required to consider techniques that would reduce emissions (including the application of flue gas desulphurisation). Each application is considered on a case by case basis, but all applicants must demonstrate BATNEEC.
	IPC is being superseded by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regime, established by a Directive of the same name (EC/96/61). Existing power plants will be regulated by IPPC from 2006; new plants or those undergoing substantial change will be required to apply for an IPPC permit with immediate effect. Operators are required to demonstrate that they use the Best Available Techniques (BAT) for their activities prior to a permit being issued. Again, permits will include limits on sulphur dioxide emissions.

Sustainability

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to promote understanding that the actions of UK citizens have global consequences and to introduce the principles of sustainability into local communities.

Michael Meacher: We are committed to raising awareness among UK citizens of the global consequences of their actions. For example, through our Environmental Action Fund we are assisting voluntary groups to run projects on education for sustainable development aimed at adults, schools and communities. DEFRA also directly supports a range of bodies that promote sustainable living, production and consumption. These include the Energy Saving Trust which works on energy efficiency, the Carbon Trust which supports technological innovation and encourages more efficient business working practices, and Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), an umbrella organisation which encompasses all the activities undertaken by the Tidy Britain Group and Going for Green. ENCAMS works with community groups, local authorities, businesses and other partners to promote sustainable development at the local level, with a particular focus on local environmental quality and anti-social behaviour.
	Our communications directorate are currently developing a new communications strategy on sustainable development. They will be considering all aspects of communications, including the use of the internet, media relations and paid publicity. We intend to seek stakeholder's views on proposals later in the year.
	Since 2000 the Local Government Act has placed a duty on local authorities to prepare community strategies for promoting the economic, social and environmental well being of their communities and contributing to sustainable development in the UK. The Government's statutory guidance on community strategies says that community strategies should articulate how global concerns can be addressed through local action.

Tallow

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the notification and results of tenders to dispose of tallow produced under the over-thirty-months scheme.

Alun Michael: The tender exercise for the disposal of stored tallow from the over-thirty-months (slaughter) scheme is currently being considered by the Rural Payments Agency. Discussions with individual tenderers are taking place to determine likely quantities and availability and it is expected that decisions on successful bidders can be made shortly. Once determined, the results will be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Teleworking

Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the impact of teleworking on rural communities.

Alun Michael: Modern communications technology which enables people to work from home can bring economic benefits to rural communities, and especially to those remote rural communities which do not have good transport links to urban centres, which might otherwise be denied to them. Higher bandwidth internet links will help with this and the Government are committed to extending the availability of broadband to rural areas, through for example the work of the UK Broadband Task Force, so that more businesses will be able to reap the benefits.

Water Framework Directive

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the planned timetable is for implementing the Water Framework Directive in the United Kingdom.

Margaret Beckett: The Directive itself sets out the timetable for its implementation, which we are following. Among the key dates are: that it must be transposed into domestic legislation by 2003; that that the characteristics of water bodies must be analysed by 2004; that river basin management plans must be published by 2009; that programmes of measures must be made operational by 2012; and that key environmental objectives must be met by 2015.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Appointments

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to which bodies his Department makes appointments; how many members there are (a) in total and (b) in each body; and how many of those appointed are (i) businessmen, (ii) businessmen in SMEs and (iii) businessmen in micro-businesses.

Jane Kennedy: I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002, Official Report, column 608W.

Child Pornography

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been charged with offences arising out of information from the US authorities passed to the PSNI concerning child pornography in the last 12 months.

Jane Kennedy: One person has been charged with offences at the present time

Construction Industry

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for Northern Ireland to follow practice in Great Britain with respect to the sectoral skills support for the construction industry through merging the support services relating to electrical, plumbing and building services.

Jane Kennedy: Unlike the situation in Great Britain plumbing and building services in Northern Ireland are within the scope of the Construction Industry Training Board (NI) which is a non-departmental public body established under the Industrial Training Act with the purpose of encouraging training and careers within the construction industry. The board is empowered to collect a statutory levy from companies within its scope
	Electrical skills are outside the scope of the board. The electrical contracting sector is facilitated in Northern Ireland by the Electrical Training Trust (ETT) a voluntary body. These arrangements represent the wishes of employers in the various sub sectors of the local construction industry as expressed in consultation.
	The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA), a UK wide organisation established with the support of the devolved administrations , is working with the construction sector to form a sector skills council which will represent the industry in relation to skills issues. The Northern Ireland Construction Industry Training Board and Electrical Training Trust are involved in that work.

Employment Programmes

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to create (a) employers' forums and (b) job assist centres for the four areas targeted for special action regarding employability.

Jane Kennedy: On 16 December I launched the report of the Taskforce on Employability and Long-Term Unemployment and announced my intention to pilot Targeted Initiatives as a new approach to tackling these issues in four areas. As part of the pilot arrangements the Department for Employment and Learning will implement the commitment in the Taskforce report to put in place a local consultative process in each targeted area. This process will actively involve employers whose support will be a key factor in helping people overcome their barriers to employment and find work. A range of measures, including a model Job Assist Centre, will also be put in place in each area. My officials are currently developing the arrangements necessary for the implementation of these initiatives.

Employment Programmes

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the costs per participant are on (a) the Northern Ireland Employment Support Programme and (b) the Workstep programme in Great Britain.

Jane Kennedy: The costs per participant on the Employment Support programme in Northern Ireland were approximately £5,500 in 2001–02, the latest year for which figures are available. This figure includes the wage subsidy paid to employers to take account of the disabled workers assessed output and the fee paid to the sponsor organisations that deliver the programme on behalf of the Department.
	The costs per participant on the Workstep programme in GB in 2001–02 were £3,800. This amount is paid at a flat rate to delivery organisations with no account taken of the level of wages paid or the severity of the disability of the worker.
	The delivery mechanism and funding arrangements for the Employment Support programme in Northern Ireland are presently under review and a public consultation was carried out at the end of 2002.

Fair Trade Criteria

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what fair trade criteria he sets when deciding upon what suppliers to use.

Ian Pearson: There is no government-wide approach to the procurement of Fairtrade products. However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has made clear, the Government are committed to supporting ethical trading wherever possible and provides significant support to the Fairtrade Foundation's efforts in promoting the supply and marketing of Fairtrade products.
	Catering in the Northern Ireland Departments is contracted out to private sector service providers and it is primarily a matter for them as to where they procure the goods which they require. The Department of Finance and Personnel has facilitated War on Want NI by jointly organising with them an event at Parliament Buildings to promote the aims and objectives of the Fairtrade Campaign.
	All of the major catering service providers to the Northern Ireland Departments attended the event and it was acknowledged as being very successful in raising awareness of Fairtrade issues within the Northern Ireland catering supply chain.

General Grant

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much of the general grant will be allocated to each district council in 2002–03; and how much he estimates will be allocated to each district council during 2003–04.

Paul Murphy: The estimated general grant allocated to each district council for the financial years 2002–03 and 2003–04 are set out in the table:
	
		
			  2002–03 2003–04  
			 District council Derating element Resources element Derating element Resources element 
		
		
			 Antrim Borough Council 903,353 0 854,416 0 
			 Ards Borough Council 844,826 1,076,102 874,079 1,024,975 
			 Armagh City and District Council 621,005 2,211,802 658,360 1,770,367 
			 Ballymena Borough Council 1,059,536 0 1,082,962 0 
			 Ballymoney Borough Council 352,906 1,009,866 315,008 1,026,368 
			 Banbridge District Council 494,331 1,040,650 469,018 935,925 
			 Belfast City Council 6,725,784 0 6,502,085 0 
			 Carrickfergus Borough Council 335,689 794,967 532,007 37,686 
			 Castlereagh Borough Council 927,808 0 870,779 0 
			 Coleraine Borough Council 535,519 0 526,582 0 
			 Cookstown District Council 648,720 562,700 661,712 947,132 
			 Craigavon Borough Council 2,272,601 64,592 2,502,081 0 
			 Derry City Council 1,471,380 630,064 1,370,102 1,207,414 
			 Down District Council 449,410 2,071,040 435,010 1,680,731 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council 1,183,627 646,353 1,189,591 1,053,781 
			 Fermanagh District Council 696,275 751,104 671,874 1,450,609 
			 Larne Borough Council 463,838 0 523,808 140,964 
			 Limavady Borough Council 115,888 1,011,770 131,137 1,273,410 
			 Lisburn City Council 1,783,040 0 1,706,646 0 
			 Magherafelt District Council 622,630 1,137,254 631,281 1,420,561 
			 Moyle District Council 144,224 559,866 158,893 600,636 
			 Newry and Mourne District Council 1,020,266 3,145,676 1,121,110 1,908,614 
			 Newtownabbey Borough Council 1,731,125 0 1,836,130 0 
			 North Down Borough Council 578,326 0 560,867 0 
			 Omagh District Council 558,686 850,293 609,335 1,411,497 
			 Strabane District Council 333,306 1,908,898 375,739 2,082,330

General Grant

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the percentage change in rates will be for each district council during 2003–04 compared to 2002–03 as a result of changes to the general grant formulae; and what transitional arrangements will be made to moderate the effect of the changes in the local government general grant formulae to those councils for which funding has been reduced.

Paul Murphy: The level of district rates fixed each year is a matter entirely for individual councils. While the general grant contribution is a significant factor in the calculation of the rates, councils determine estimated expenditure and corresponding income. It would not be possible, therefore, for the Department to anticipate percentage change in rates year on year.
	The Department is currently considering how those councils that are adversely affected under the new formula for distribution of the resources element of general grant might be assisted in the coming period.

Grants

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the grants funded by his Department for which individual members of the public and organisations may apply; and if he will make a statement as to (a) the total of such funding in the last financial year, (b) the total number of awards and (c) their administrative costs.

Jane Kennedy: (a) The Total of such funding in the last Financial Year (1 April 2001—31 March 2002) was £426,124,585.43.
	(b) The Total number of Awards was 55,880 a.
	(c) The Administrative costs were 125,881.22 b.
	A full list of grants has been placed in the Library.
	a Figures were not available for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
	b Figures were not available for Department of Education, Department of Finance & Personnel, Department of the Environment, Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister; Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Health Social Services & Public Safety and Department of Culture Arts & Leisure.

Lisburn-Antrim Railway Line

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if a decision has been made about the future of the Lisburn to Antrim railway line.

Angela Smith: The future of rail services on the Lisburn to Antrim line has been uncertain since the Railways Task Force produced its report in September 2000. The Consolidation Option in this report included the mothballing of the Lisburn to Antrim line when the line from Antrim to Belfast via Bleach Green junction reopened. Subsequently the Northern Ireland Assembly, in its budget of December 2000, agreed to provide funding for railways on the basis of the Consolidation Option. Since taking office I have been giving careful consideration to the future services on this line. On the basis of the data available the case for the continuance of regular services on this line is not compelling. I am awaiting receipt of a further economic appraisal on an option for the line. It is my intention to make a written statement on this matter in the near future. Clearly, that statement will be informed by the additional economic appraisal and made against the backdrop of competing transportation priorities in Northern Ireland.

Luigi Marotta

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors were taken into consideration before granting the compassionate leave from prison to Luigi Marotta.

Jane Kennedy: The Northern Ireland Prison Service had concerns about the likelihood of Marotta absconding and had initially refused temporary release. Following judicial review and directions by the court to reconsider this decision in the light of the recent implementation of human rights leglisation, the decision was reversed. Prior to release a sum of £150k was required to be lodged as surety by Marotta's solicitors.

Luigi Marotta

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who authorised the compassionate leave from prison of Luigi Marotta.

Jane Kennedy: The authorisation was given by the Operations Directorate of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Luigi Marotta

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the prospect of obtaining the extradition of Luigi Marotta from Paris.

Paul Murphy: It is not Government policy to comment on whether an individual is being sought for fear of hampering any investigation

MLAs

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research facilities for MLAs are available at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

Paul Murphy: There are currently no research facilities available for MLAs at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. The Office Costs allowance, which continues to be paid to MLAs, is to help fund constituency offices including research assistance.
	I have received representations regarding the provision of the research facilities at Parliament Buildings which I am currently considering.

Police Ombudsman

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints have been received by the Police Ombudsman's office since its inception; how many complaints have been (a) processed and (b) upheld; how many PSNI officers have been suspended; what is the average length of suspension from duty of PSNI officers during investigation by the Ombudsman; and how many reports arising from complaints received and processed by the Ombudsman have been passed to the Director of Public Prosecution.

Jane Kennedy: The Police Ombudsman has advised me that the number of complaints received since the inception of the office to the end of November 2002 is 7,362. The number of complaints processed and closed 1 is 6,106 and 1,256 complaints are current. The Police Ombudsman has passed 211 cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Chief Constable, who has responsibility for the suspension of any police officers, has advised me that 11 officers have been suspended as a result of investigations by the Police Ombudsman. The average length of suspension during investigation by the Police Ombudsman is 21.6 weeks.
	1 Complaints are closed under categories listed by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabularies and "upheld" is not a category listed

Pre-school Places

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide funding for all pre-school places proposed, through the PEAGS scheme, by the South Eastern Education and Library Board for the year 2003–04.

Jane Kennedy: The Department of Education has received proposals for the funding of pre-school places in 2003–04 from each education and library board's Pre-school Education Advisory Group (PEAG), and all will be considered in the context of identified needs and available financial resources. In particular, consideration of proposals for places in the voluntary sector must take into account the anticipated decline in the size of the pre-school age group in 2003–04. The Department is currently working on financial allocations to the Boards for 2003–04 and these will be notified to them shortly.

Prisoners

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made about the likelihood of a prisoner absconding prior to granting compassionate leave from prison; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: An assessment is made in all cases of temporary release of the risk a prisoner poses of absconding. This takes account of all relevant issues including previous criminal history, the length of time served, the police view, behaviour in prison and any assessments carried out by professional staff.

PSNI

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to maintain a band and music tradition in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Jane Kennedy: The Police Service of Northern Ireland has indicated its intention to stand down the current Police band on 31 March 2003. The Chief Constable has no proposals to maintain a full-time formal band and music tradition beyond this date.
	An invitation has however been extended to the present band members asking them to consider forming an association where they would come together on a voluntary basis, both to rehearse and carry out engagements. The PSNI has made it clear that it would support the officers if they wished to form a voluntary association perhaps by making available the current instruments, other equipment and some financial support.

Student Religion

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the religious breakdown is of students studying at (a) Queen's University Belfast and (b) the University of Ulster.

Jane Kennedy: The latest information available relates to the 2001–02 academic year. Religion is only recorded for NI domiciled students at the NI Higher Education institutions and the breakdown of religion for the University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast is shown in the table:
	
		NI domiciled students enrolled on courses at Northern Ireland Higher Education institutions by religion 2001–02(14)
		
			 Institution The Queen's University of Belfast University of Ulster Total  
		
		
			 Protestant 4,715 5,797 10,512 
			 Catholic 6,113 8,628 14,741 
			 Other 1,084 602 1,686 
			 Not known/available 5,634 2,585 8,219 
			 Total 17,546 17,612 35,158 
		
	
	(14) 2001–02 data is provisional
	Source:
	HESA dataset

HEALTH

Number of Trainee Doctors

Alan Hurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many students in the United Kingdom were training as doctors in (a) 1972, (b) 1982, (c) 1992 and (d) 2001.

John Hutton: In autumn 2002, the United Kingdom medical school intake was 6,740, an increase of over 1,675 than in autumn 1997. This is an increase of 33 per cent, between 1997 and 2002. Intake is planned to be over 7,050 next autumn, the highest figure ever which would be an increase of 39.5 per cent, over 1997.
	We do not have data relating to the total number of students in medical schools, training to qualify as doctors. We are able to provide the actual UK intake to medical schools, per academic year, for the years in question. This information is shown in the table:
	
		
			 Academic year UK intake 
		
		
			 1972–73 (15)3,123 
			 1982–83 4,154 
			 1992–93 4,449 
			 2001–02 6,115 
		
	
	(15) In 1972–73, the figure is for Great Britain only. It excludes Northern Ireland.

Number of Trainee Doctors

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of amublance staff retired early due to ill health in the latest year for which figures are available.

John Hutton: The information requested is not collected centrally, but may be available from individual National Health Service ambulance trusts.
	The number of staff who have taken a retirement pension since the establishment of ambulance trusts, is 1,645, to November 2002. The number of ambulance staff in service at September 2001 was 16,920.

"Human Bodies, Human Choices"

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many responses he has received to the consultation document "Human Bodies, Human Choices"; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: The Department has received 214 responses to the consultation document "Human Bodies, Human Choices". A further 17 responses have been received by the Welsh Assembly Government, with whom the document was published. The Department is currently analysing the responses. A summary report of the consultation workshops and national conference, as well as the written responses, will be published shortly. New legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time allows.

Adoption and Children Act

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been issued to local authorities in respect of section 116 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

Jacqui Smith: A local authority circular is being prepared in respect of section 116 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002, which amends section 17 of the Children Act 1989 to make it clear that local authorities' powers under this section include providing help with accommodation. It will be issued shortly.

Advisory Committees on Training

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the proposed abolition of advisory committees on training by the European Commission.

John Hutton: We are concerned that the advisory committees on training have fallen into disuse. The Commission has proposed in the draft Directive on Recognition of Qualifications to replace them with a single committee to cover all professions. We will seek clarification of how this committee will function to ensure that public safety concerns and health training issues are fully taken into account. We will continue to address this matter in the European Union working group.

Annual Report

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much producing his Department's latest Annual Report cost; how many copies were printed; how many copies of it were sold at its cover price; to whom copies of the report have been provided free of charge; and how many copies were provided free of charge.

David Lammy: The total cost to the Department of producing the 2002–03 Departmental Report was £31,668. This included £21,185 for design, typesetting and artwork and a further £10,483 for the cost of the copies ordered by the Department. However The Stationery Office (TSO) met all the remaining costs for printing and publication.
	This year over 1,000 copies of the 2002–03 Departmental Report were printed.
	TSO have indicated that so far 395 have been sold at the cover price of £19.50. A total of over 670 copies were provided free of charge.
	The report is also freely available on the internet at www.doh.gov.uk/dohreport.

Anti-smoking Campaign

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the likely changes that will take place in the next five year totals of (a) male and (b) female smokers as a result of the ban on tobacco advertising and the future use of nicotine replacement therapies and Zyban.

Hazel Blears: Information is not available in the form requested.
	The Government have set the following targets in reducing smoking:
	To reduce smoking among children from 13 per cent., the 1996 figure, to 11 per cent., by 2005 and 9 per cent., by 2010.
	To reduce adult smoking in all social classes so that the overall rates falls from 28 per cent., the 1996 figure, to 26 per cent., by 2005 and 24 per cent., by 2010.
	To reduce the percentage of women who smoke during pregnancy from 23 per cent., the 1995 figure, to 18 per cent., by 2005 and 15 per cent., by 2010.
	Smoking rates among manual groups will be reduced from 32 per cent., in 1998 to 26 per cent., by 2010.
	The priorities and planning framework (PPF), published on 2 October 2002, set out the priorities for the next three years for the national health service and social services and described what local organisations and communities need to do to plan for and implement the improvements.
	Two of the targets set in the PPF drive the existing programmes to tackle smoking.
	In the cancer section:
	"Reduce the rate of smoking, contributing to the national target of: reducing the rate in manual groups from 32 per cent., in 1998 to 26 per cent., by 2010; 800,000 smokers from all groups successfully quitting at the 4 week stage by 2006"
	In the Reducing Health Inequalities section:
	"Deliver a one percentage point reduction per year in the proportion of women continuing to smoke throughout pregnancy, focussing especially on smokers from disadvantaged groups as a contribution to the national target to reduce by at least 10 per cent., the gap in mortality between "routine and manual" groups and the population as a whole by 2010, starting with children under one year."
	These changes will be delivered through a comprehensive tobacco control strategy, including an advertising ban and the provision of nicotine replacement therapy and Zyban. It is estimated that banning tobacco advertising and promotion will result in a 2.5 per cent., reduction in tobacco consumption, eventually saving up to 3,000 lives a year.
	In the short term, the ban will save 1,500 or more lives a year.

Capacity Planning

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library the results of the work undertaken by strategic health authorities on behalf of PCTs concerning capacity planning; and if he will set out the national and regional level data arising from the franchise plans produced by strategic health authorities.

John Hutton: The information drawn from the capacity planning process—which is not yet complete—will form part strategic health authority local delivery plans. These plans are based on the new planning framework, Investment, Expansion and Reform, a copy of which is available in the Library.

Child Medicine (Consultants)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultants in child medicine are employed in the NHS.

John Hutton: Paediatricians treat general childhood conditions. There are a number of other specialties that specialise in the treatment of specific childhood conditions.
	The following table shows the number of consultants, employed in the national health service in England, in child and adolescent psychiatry, paediatric surgery and within the paediatric group.
	
		Hospital, Public Health Medicine and Community Health Services (HCHS): -- Specialties of consultants in child medicine
		
			 England at 31 March 2002 Numbers (headcount) 
		
		
			 Child and adolescent psychiatry 480 
			 Paediatric surgery 120 
			 Paediatrics group, of which:  
			 General paediatrics (including paediatric neurology) 1,530 
			 Paediatric cardiology 50 
			 Paediatric dentistry 20 
		
	
	Source:
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census

Community Psychiatric Nurses

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the community psychiatric nurses employed between 1995 and 2000 were working directly in (a) primary care GP practices or health centres and (b) secondary or tertiary care settings.

John Hutton: The number of qualified nurses working in community psychiatric care who are employed by secondary and tertiary care organisations is shown in the table. These nurses work across the range of care settings. Information on nurses employed by general practitioner practices and health centres is not collected centrally.
	
		NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): qualified community psychiatric nursing staff in England as at 30 September each year
		
			  Headcount 
		
		
			 1995 8,564 
			 1996 9,333 
			 1997 9,736 
			 1998 10,231 
			 1999 10,552 
			 2000 11,080 
			 2001 12,224 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures exclude learners and agency staff.
	Source:
	Department of Health non-medical work force census.

Complaints (Doctors)

David Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require the General Medical Council to publish information on the number of complaints against doctors currently unresolved which indicates those outstanding for more than (a) six and (b) 12 months.

John Hutton: The General Medical Council (GMC) has met its target, set in July 2000, that 100 per cent. of cases referred from the preliminary proceedings committee to the professional conduct committee were heard within a year.
	The GMC is an independent statutory body which derives its powers from the Medical Act 1983. The Secretary of State has no power to require the GMC to publish such information. Data on the work of the fitness to practise directorate is available on the GMC website and the GMC will, of course, respond to specific queries.

Consultants

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of hospital consultants in (a) Doncaster (b) Yorkshire and (c) England do not undertake private work.

John Hutton: We do not collect information centrally about the proportion of consultants undertaking private practice. However, the Department collects statistics about the contractual status of consultants. While these statistics do not represent an accurate indication of the number of consultants undertaking private practice, they can give a broad indication of the amount of private practice undertaken in a region.
	Maximum part-time contract holders are those practitioners that have opted for maximum part-time contracts, or who have been required to change their status to maximum part-time because the volume of private practice undertaken exceeds the limit of 10 per cent. that applies to other whole-time contract holders. Maximum part-time contract holders have no limit on the amount of private practice they are permitted to undertake.
	Nationally 23.7 per cent. of all consultants hold maximum part-time contracts. The proportion of consultants on maximum part-time contracts in Yorkshire, at 19.4 per cent., is lower than the national average and in Doncaster the figure is considerably lower at 6.3 per cent, of all consultants. The table shows numbers of medical and dental consultants working maximum part-time contracts.
	
		Hospital, Public Health Medicine and Community Health Services (HCHS): Medical and dental consultants working maximum part time contracts
		
			   numbers (headcount) 
			 England at 31 March 2002 All Contracts of which Maximum Part-Time 
		
		
			 England of which 26,350 6,240 
			 Yorkshire(16) of which 2,570 500 
			 Doncaster 160 10 
		
	
	Notes:
	Figures are rounded to the nearest ten
	(16) Statistics for "Yorkshire" are based on the mean figures for North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire Strategic health Authority (excluding Northern Lincolnshire), South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority and West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority.
	Source
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census.

Consultants

Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2002, Official Report, column 494W, on consultants, if he will list the specialities in which offers of appointment have been made under the NHS International Fellowship Scheme.

John Hutton: We piloted the International Fellowship Scheme with an initial recruitment round in spring and summer 2002.
	As a result of the pilot, 39 offers of appointment have been made and accepted, although subsequently two have been deferred due to personal reasons. A further six candidates have potential offers under negotiation. 17 candidates have been invited for interviews in the new year. Of the 37 offers of employment, two are in cardiothoracic surgery, seven in histopathology, 26 in psychiatry and two in radiology.

Contractor Fraud

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much contractor fraud was detected in the NHS in each of the last four years.

David Lammy: The available figures are shown in the table:
	
		
			  1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Number of cases detected 95 238 201 
			 Value of loss identified(17) (£) 450,041 3,334,010 4,296,395 
		
	
	(17) Subject to recovery
	The National Health Service Counter Fraud Service (NHS CFS) was created in 1998 and became operational during 1999–2000. Since then detection, referral, conviction and recovery rates for cases involving NHS fraud have improved significantly.
	Every health body in England and Wales is also required, in Secretary of State Directions, to have a dedicated and accredited local counter fraud specialist (LCFS) who can be contacted by NHS staff to report any suspicion of fraud in the NHS. The presence of LCFS in each health body not only improves the detection rates for fraud and corruption but also contributes to a wider change in public and staff attitudes towards fraud in the NHS.
	In addition, the NHS CFS has a fraud and corruption reporting line, which is a secure channel for members of the public and NHS staff to report any suspicion of fraud in the NHS.

Correspondence

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reply to the letter of John C. Wood of Barton-on-Sea of 21 November 2002.

David Lammy: A reply was sent to Mr. Wood on 13 January 2003.

Departmental Expenditure (Newsprint)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total expenditure of his Department was on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in 2002.

David Lammy: The approximate total expenditure on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in 200–02 was £469,880.
	The expenditure covers central purchasing through the Department's library, the Regional Offices and direct purchasing by individual units. The figures do not include expenditure by Agencies or official publications, which are published weekly, monthly or quarterly by The Stationery Office.

Disability and Discrimination Act

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each primary care team what training they offer staff to comply with the Disability and Discrimination Act 1995.

John Hutton: Data on the local training arrangements at primary care trust (PCT) or primary care team level is not collected centrally. However, the National Health Service Executive issued management guidance to NHS trusts, health authorities (HAs) and primary care groups on implementing Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in July 1999. HAs were asked to develop a strategy to ensure that Section 21 of the DDA was implemented across their premises including hospitals, primary care premises, health centres and clinics.
	In addition, the Department has issued a guide, Doubly Disabled, to help NHS managers and staff improve their awareness of the needs of disabled people whether they are patients, carers or employees. A distance learning package on disability awareness for NHS staff, particularly front line staff, commissioned by the Department, has been available since November 1999.

Drugs (Black Market)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with pharmaceutical companies about drugs provided at cost to African countries being resold on the black market in the UK.

David Lammy: Officials from the Department and others have had extensive discussions with pharmaceutical companies about the problem of drugs sold at discounted prices to poorer countries being diverted into the European Union and other developed country markets. The subject was also discussed in the working group on access to medicines, chaired by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for International Development, and which reported to the Prime Minister on 28 November 2002.
	The report, a copy of which is available in the Library, recognised that measures to prevent diversion were one of the essential elements of a wider framework of measures to enable companies to offer substantially lower prices in poorer countries. The Government continue to work with the United Kingdom and industry internationally to take forward the proposals in the report.

Drugs (Black Market)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken in collaboration with the Secretary of State for International Development to combat the illicit resale of drugs provided by pharmaceutical companies at cost to African countries into European markets.

David Lammy: The working group on access to medicines, chaired by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for International Development, included in its discussions possible measures for preventing discounted medicines destined for poorer countries from being diverted to the European Union and other developed markets. A copy of the report, published on 28 November 2002, is available in the Library.
	There are a range of measures that could help—for example, effective control of distribution within the developing country; border measures in developed country markets; and differentiation of product packaging. These issues are under discussion as part of the follow-up to the working group report. In addition, the European Commission has published a draft Regulation to strengthen customs controls in this area. It is still under discussion among EU member states.
	Regardless of these possible measures, any suspected sales in the United Kingdom of medicines that do not comply with the licensing requirements of the Medicines Act 1968 can be reported to and investigated by the Medicines Control Agency.

E. Coli

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have for the implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force report on E. coli 0157.

Hazel Blears: The Department has welcomed the report of the task force on E. coli 0157and has accepted its recommendations. Many of the recommendations have already been implemented. These include research into the epidemiology of E. coli 0157 infection, steps to increase the awareness of both the public and the medical profession of the risks of this infection and how to avoid them, and the production of guidance for farmers, schools and others at risk from recreational activities.

E. Coli

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how the Government plan to reduce the number of cases of E. coli 0157;
	(2)  what plans the Government have for improving the speed of detection of E. coli 0157 bacterium;
	(3)  what plans the Government have for the introduction of a standard testing protocol for the bacterium E. coli 0157 across the UK.

Hazel Blears: The Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) undertakes microbiological and epidemiological surveillance of E. coli 0157 infections and has given a high priority to work on Vero cytotoxin-producing E. coli 0157.
	Research by the PHLS has led to significant improvements in laboratory methods for the detection of E. coli 0157 from clinical specimens as well as animals and foods. They produced guidelines on the testing of samples for E. coli 0157 in 2000. These guidelines include advice from the advisory committee on microbiological safety of food that all diarrhoeal stool samples submitted to public health laboratories for testing should be examined for E. coli 0157. Shared protocols for testing E. coli 0157 are being developed with the veterinary laboratories agency to ensure consistency in both animal and human diagnostics. In addition to providing full identification and typing for all E. coli, the PHLS reference laboratory also subtypes E. coli 0157 using a range of methods, and is currently evaluating a simple non-invasive test for antibodies to E. coli 0157 in saliva. Molecular methods for the detection of E. coli 0157 are now used routinely.
	The Food Standards Agency has set itself a target of reducing foodborne disease by 20 per cent., by April 2006. This includes foodborne cases of E. coli 0157. The strategy for achieving this target, which was published on the Agency website (www.food.gov.uk) in July 2001, involves a range of measures to reduce microbial contamination of foods and to improve food handling and preparation. Laboratory reports of E. coli 0157 in the UK fell from 1,139 cases in 2000 to a provisional figure of 1,049 in 2001.
	The Department has taken steps to increase the awareness of both the public and the medical profession of the risks of this infection and how to avoid them. The Department has worked with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Scottish Executive, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Education and Skills in producing guidance for farmers, for schools and for those at risk from recreational activities. The Department, together with the HSE, is also planning to undertake a renewed educational and public awareness campaign on the risks in the agricultural environment.

E. Coli

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to set up a central data base on the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of E. coli 0157 to assist in the treatment and diagnosis and long term monitoring of the effects of infection from E. coli 0157.

Hazel Blears: The Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) is developing plans for a central database on the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of E. coli 0157. All food-borne incidence of confirmed E. coli 0157 is already recorded by the PHLS communicable disease surveillance centre.

E. Coli

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will consult the charities and voluntary organisations concerned with the issue of infection from E coli-0157 on the future development of services for research, diagnosis and treatment of E coli-0157 related conditions;
	(2)  what plans the Government have for research into the causes, prevention and treatment of the infection by E coli-0157 and the long-term care of those suffering from the consequences of infection;
	(3)  what research the Government have undertaken into whether the use of certain types of antibiotics can help spread the E coli-0157 bacteria in patients; and what action is planned as a result.

Hazel Blears: There are a number of research projects in progress that are directed at both providing a better understanding of the virulence mechanisms of E coli-0157 and leading to improved typing methods for application in epidemiological investigations. A number of case-control studies have already been conducted in the UK and have helped to define the risk factors for E coli-0157infection.
	Enhanced surveillance of E coli-0157 infections has been co-ordinated by the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS). A study of childhood haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is also being conducted by the PHLS in association with the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, the British Association of Paediatric Nephrologists, the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health and the Royal Hospitals Aberdeen national health service trust.
	The use of antibiotics for the treatment of uncomplicated diarrhoea is discouraged. The Department has issued specific advice to medical personnel to ensure that they are aware that the use of antibiotics for the treatment of E coli-0157 may increase the risk of severe kidney disease.
	The task force on E coli-0157 consulted widely with relevant charities and voluntary organisations. Officials representing both the Department and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) regularly meet representatives of HUS charities to discuss matters including research, diagnosis and treatment. The FSA has regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss its policies and their implementation.

Elective Surgery

Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms are in place to ensure that expenditure on elective surgery on NHS patients in the private sector is minimised, and the use of NHS services is optimised.

John Hutton: Health Service Circular 2000/007, "Securing Service Delivery: Commissioning Freedoms of Primary Care Trusts", issued in April 2002, made clear that primary care trusts should feel free to commission care from wherever they can obtain the best services for patients. Commissioning decisions should be judged against the twin tests of high clinical standards and good value for money.

Ethical Banking

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contracts have been concluded as a result of the Government's commitment to support ethical banking.

David Lammy: The Government believe it is important for consumers to have choice in financial products, including the availability of 'ethical' products. However, it would not be appropriate for the Government to exclusively support the development of one specific group of financial service providers. It is for individual consumers to decide the attributes they most value from their financial services and for financial services firms to be transparent about their use of funds and investments.

External Consultants

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost to his Department was of the use of external consultants in 2002.

David Lammy: Expenditure by the Department (excluding Agencies) on external consultants in 2002 was £6,800,521.

Fitness

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what local action to tackle obesity and increase physical activity entails, as mentioned in his Department's press release of 12 December 2002, Improving the Nation's Health: Government to produce food and action plan.

Hazel Blears: Local action to tackle obesity and increase physical activity is being taken forward as part of the national service framework for coronary heart disease (NSF CHD) and the NHS Plan.
	Standard One of the NSF CHD required all national health service bodies to have agreed and be contributing to the delivery of a local programme of effective policies on increasing physical activity and reducing overweight and obesity, and have quantified data on the programme. Examples of local action to tackle obesity and increase physical activity include initiatives in the primary care setting such as weight management clinics, exercise referral schemes, workplace interventions, and school based projects on diet and exercise which are being taken forward through the healthy schools programme.
	Together with Sport England and the Countryside Agency, the Department is developing a £2.6 million programme of local exercise action pilots to investigate effective approaches to increasing physical activity, the results of which will inform and lead action on exercise across the NHS.

Foundation Trusts

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the financial duties for NHS foundation trusts will include the requirement to achieve a rate of return on assets.

John Hutton: The financial duties of National Health Service foundation trusts will be set out in forthcoming legislation.

Foundation Trusts

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what method he will adopt to test whether local people support the establishment of a foundation trust; who will be consulted; and whether local people will be able to reject the establishment of such a trust.

John Hutton: It is up to applicants for national health service foundation trust status to decide how best to consult local stakeholders ("A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts" paragraph 7.11). Second-stage applicants will need to provide evidence that both the NHS trust board and key stakeholders—for example primary care trusts, staff, partner organisations and local people—have been consulted and support the application and the strategic vision. Each application will be assessed individually based on the evidence provided ("A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts" paragraph 7.12).

Foundation Trusts

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which key shareholders he plans to consult on proposals to establish a foundation trust; by what means such consultations will be conducted; and whether organisations will be required to consult their staff before replying.

John Hutton: The process for assessing national health service foundation trust applications is described in paragraph 7.12 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts". The assessment will take account of evidence provided in support of the application as set out in paragraphs 7.9–7.11 of "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts". In this evidence, applicants will need to show that their key local stakeholders have been consulted and support the application and strategic vision.

Foundation Trusts

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which representatives of partner organisations will be eligible to become members of foundation trusts; how the number of representatives from each partner organisation will be determined; and whether it will be a requirement of membership that representatives of partner organisations live in the area served by the trust.

John Hutton: It will be up to individual applicants to develop proposals on the size and composition of the Board of Governors to suit local circumstances, subject to demonstrating that the proposals meet the minimum requirements as set out in "A Guide to NHS Foundation Trusts" (paragraphs 2.17–2.18).

General Practitioners

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner vacancies there were in each primary care trust in the last two years.

John Hutton: The information requested was not collected at primary care trust level in the last two years.

General Practitioners

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his target is for the number of general practitioners per head of population.

John Hutton: The NHS Plan implemented a commitment to increase the overall number of general practitioners (GPs) by 2000 in England between 1999 and 2004. Based on the latest available statistics, the number of whole-time equivalent GPs per 100,000 weighted population is 54.5. To meet the national target entails an increase to an average 55.7 GPs per 100,000 weighted population.
	We want to see GP numbers expand further. Guidance to primary care trusts (PCTs) set out three parameters within which all PCTs should be aiming to recruit additional GPs during 2003–04:
	those PCTs which are below the existing average 53.2 should aim to recruit sufficient GPs to raise their GP numbers by at least 6 per cent., or to at least 55.7,with the aim of achieving at least the lesser of these aims;
	those PCTs which are more than the existing average of 53.2, but below the projected average of 55.7, should aim to recruit up to 6 per cent. more GPs. In some appropriate circumstances—and where it is possible—PCTs may exceed this; and
	those PCTs at or above the projected average of 55.7 should aim to recruit up to 3 per cent. more GPs. In some appropriate circumstances—and where it is possible—PCTs may exceed this.

Health and Social Services (Rural Provision)

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure the delivery of (a) health care and (b) social services in sparsely populated rural areas, in particular pockets of rural deprivation; and what resources he is making available for this.

John Hutton: Resources to both local National Health Service bodies and local authorities take account of variations in local circumstances, while leaving these bodies to decide the best distribution of services in response to those circumstances. A number of recent initiatives in funding allocations have recognised the need to take account of remoteness.
	The NHS revenue allocations for 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06 announced on 11 December were made using a new formula. The new formula provides a better measure of health need in all areas. In calculating health need in rural areas, it takes account of the effects of access, transport and poverty.
	The NHS confederation is currently negotiating a new general medical services (GMS) contract with the general practitioners committee of the British Medical Association. The two sides have commissioned York University to develop a GMS allocation formula that will take account of the costs and pressures of delivering high-quality primary care in different areas, including those associated with rurality and remoteness. The current timetable envisages that this work will be completed early in the New Year, when general practitioners will be balloted on the detailed and costed framework.
	For social services funding, we will be increasing the sparsity factor in the older people's social services funding formula from 2002–03 onwards, in response to new evidence on travel effects in the provision of domiciliary care commissioned by the county councils network.
	Improving access to services, especially in rural and other areas which are currently under-served, was identified as a priority in the cross-cutting spending review on health inequalities. The review also recognised that there are pockets of deprivation right across the country and that health inequalities will need to be tackled in all these areas if the national health inequalities targets are to be met. The results of the review are being fed into a cross-government delivery plan on action to tackle health inequalities and meet the targets. The delivery plan will be published in the New Year.

Health and Social Services Performance Review

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the information collected as part of the Health and Social Services Performance Review.

John Hutton: The Health and Social Services Performance Review is a quarterly document which monitors the progress of programme areas and strategic health authorities towards key indicators in the delivery of the Department's public commitments. The document also reports on patient activity and provides a concise overview of financial performance. At the end of the financial year the Department publishes an annual report which includes details of progress against public service agreement targets.

Hillingdon Hospital

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions in each of the last 10 years Hillingdon Hospital has been closed for admissions; and what the length of time involved was in each case.

John Hutton: This information is not held centrally. Accident and emergency closures at Hillingdon Hospital have been kept on record by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) since December 1996. The LAS records indicate one full closure in June 2002 for five hours ten minutes due to flooding.

Hospital Projects (Funding)

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new hospitals or hospital reprovision projects have been commenced since 1997; and what proportion of these have been financed through (a) PFI and (b) PPP schemes.

John Hutton: 114 hospital schemes have been given the go ahead since 1997, of which 104, or 91 per cent., have been or are to be financed through private finance initiative or public private partnership, subject to approval of their full business case.

Hospital Treatment

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what restrictions are applied by (a) regulation, (b) his policy and (c) regional policies on primary care trusts' decisions on where patients should be sent for hospital treatment;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the standards required for the accreditation of non-NHS hospitals for the provision of NHS services (a) as contractors with primary care trusts and (b) as sub-contractors of hospital trusts; and whether the standard for a particular procedure varies between (a) and (b).

John Hutton: There are no regulations which impose restrictions on decisions by primary care trusts (PCTs) on where patients should be sent for hospital treatment. Such decisions are up to each PCT in the light of all relevant factors including available resources and the clinical needs of the person.
	Health Service Circular 2000–07, Securing Service Delivery: Commissioning Freedoms of Primary Care Trusts, issued in April 2002 made clear that PCTs should feel free to commission care from wherever they can obtain the best services for patients. Commissioning decisions should be judged against the twin tests of high clinical standards and good value for money. This applies to decisions to commission services from both National Health Service hospitals and non-NHS hospitals. NHS trusts are similarly free to commission services from such non-NHS hospitals as they consider appropriate, against the same tests of high clinical standards and good value for money.
	In their commissioning role, PCTs will, when appropriate, need to collaborate with neighbouring PCTs and work as part of consortia. However the consortium is set up, the decisions made by that consortium will be binding on all members.

Hospital-acquired Infection

Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards the establishment of a mandatory national surveillance scheme to measure the extent of hospital-acquired infection; and what reduction in the rate of infection has been achieved.

Hazel Blears: The first phase of the national mandatory surveillance system for hospital acquired infection on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood stream infections was introduced in April 2001.
	The results for the first year of this scheme, from April 2001 to March 2002, for every national health service acute trust in England were published in the Communicable Disease Report (CDR) Weekly on 20 June 2002. These are available on Public Health Laboratory Service's website at www.phls.co.uk/pubications/cdr/PDFfiles/2002/cdr2502.pdf.
	This first year's data provides a baseline from which progress can be measured and a MRSA improvement score has been included in the NHS performance management system for 2002–03.
	The second phase of the surveillance system will be implemented shortly.

Health Protection Agency

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the organisational structure of the HPA after 1 April 2003;
	(2)  what proportion of senior management positions in the HPA have been filled;
	(3)  when he expects to announce the location of the headquarters of the Health Protection Agency.

Hazel Blears: We aim to establish the Health Protection Agency as a special health authority from 1 April 2003. The HPA Board will be responsible for agreeing the organisational structure and other organisational issues such as the location of the headquarters. Until a Board is established and is in a position to take these decisions, there will be interim organisational arrangements. These were publicised in a newsletter to the staff and organisations affected by the HPA changes on 13 January 2003. A copy of the newsletter has been placed in the Library. These interim arrangements do not pre-empt either the Board's consideration of permanent structures or the filling of substantive posts under equal opportunities policies or the change management protocol agreed between management and trades unions which govern the changes.

Health Protection Agency

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there is a register of the outputs and capabilities provided by the component organisations of the HPA.

Hazel Blears: Our plans for establishing the Health Protection Agency (HPA) were set out in my reply of 7 January 2003 to the hon. Member, Official Report, column 190W.
	The outputs and capabilities of the Public Health Laboratory Service, the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research and the National Radiological Protection Board are described in their business and corporate plans and in their annual accounts, which are placed in the Libraries of the House. Information for other elements intended for transfer to the HPA, which are currently part of broader national health service organisations or other bodies, are not held in a similar form.

Health Protection Agency

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which individual on the HPA Executive will be responsible for the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research.

Hazel Blears: Under the interim arrangements set out in my answer to the hon. Member today, Dr. Roger Gilmour, the current chief executive, will continue to be responsible for the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research.

Junior Scholarship Scheme

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when the first batch of Junior Scholarship young people will begin working within the NHS; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many young people are expected to take part in the Junior Scholarships scheme as part of the NHS University; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: The Department of Health has recently launched a development plan for the National Health Service University entitled "Learning for everyone". The plan contains a range of proposals, options and questions on how NHSU could support learning for staff working in and for the NHS.
	NHSU is currently undertaking a period of consultation with the NHS, with clinical teams, staff and managers, and with stakeholders including higher and further education institutions on what role NHSU should play in supporting learning and what its priorities should be.
	One proposal in the development plan is to offer junior scholarships to young people aged 14, 15 and 16 years. The aim of these scholarships is to encourage people from communities that are under-represented in our health services to consider 'earning and learning' opportunities in the NHS.
	The operation of junior scholarships will build on existing development within the NHS being led by work force development confederations. The scheme will require local partnerships between schools, NHS work force development confederations and trusts, parents and the young people themselves.
	An indicative number of 100 places per year per work force development confederation (around 3,000 places nationally) has been proposed.
	The details of the scholarships will be developed following the period of consultation, which concludes in February next year, taking into account comments and feedback received. The scheme is likely to be piloted in 2003.

King Edward VII Hospital

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what NHS contracts have been carried out by the King Edward VII Hospital Midhurst since May 1997;
	(2)  what part he plans to play in facilitating a rescue plan to enable the King Edward VII Hospital Midhurst to continue operating;
	(3)  what discussions he has held with the King Edward VII Hospital in Midhurst on the appointment of a provisional liquidator [89933].

Hazel Blears: This information is not held centrally.
	Ministers and departmental officials have received a number of representations regarding the situation at the hospital. Discussions with the liquidator are currently ongoing. In view of that, it would not be appropriate for Ministers to comment further, although these discussions will of course focus on the continuing provision of appropriate care for national health service patients.

King Edward VII Hospital

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the effect on waiting times at St. Richard's hospital, Chichester of the impending closure of King Edward VII hospital at Midhurst;
	(2)  what budgeting constraints prevent orthopaedic treatment provided by the NHS in hospitals abroad from being provided in King Edward VII hospital Midhurst; and what the cost differential is.

Hazel Blears: Overseas treatment is one of the options open to national health service commissioners seeking to increase the number of patients treated and reduce waiting times. Any NHS body can commission treatment abroad for its patients and a relatively small-scale pilot was undertaken to establish good practice. It is up to local commissioners to decide, in the light of capacity constraints across their local health economies, and taking into account the different commissioning options available to them, whether or not to refer patients overseas for treatment.
	At present a liquidator has been called in to King Edward VII hospital and discussions are now taking place to secure health provision for the local-community. The West Sussex health community is working to ensure that any adverse impact is kept to a minimum.

London Agency Project

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the London Agency Project.

John Hutton: The London Agency Project has been developed by national health service trusts in London to improve both the quality of temporary agency workers supplied to the NHS from commercial agencies and to achieve value for money for public services.
	Phase one of the London Agency Project was implemented on 1 September 2001. 29 agencies were awarded a place on the phase one London framework agreement to supply specialist nurses to London trusts. Phase two of the London Agency Project was launched in April 2002 for the procurement of all other nurses and midwives and health care assistants. As a result, 72 commercial agencies have been awarded a place on the phase two framework agreement that comes into effect on 1 April 2003.

Medical Practitioner Registration

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what treaty provisions the European Commission has jurisdiction over the registration of medical practitioners.

John Hutton: The Treaty establishing the European Community guaranteed the freedom for every European citizen to work, set up business or provide services in any member state. Subsequent Directives set out the provisions for automatic mutual recognition of qualifications in many health professions and other professions, such as veterinary surgeons and architects. Member states must implement these Directives into their domestic legislation.
	The registration procedures used by a member state to regulate medical practitioners remains a responsibility of the individual member state, not of the European Commission. In the United Kingdom, the General Medical Council is the body responsible for registration of medical practitioners.

Medical Staff Recruitment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) doctors and (b) nurses from Ethiopia are employed in the NHS.

John Hutton: The Department does not collect data on nationality, as requested. The number of national health service hospital doctors and general medical practitioners by country of primary medical qualification is shown in the table.
	The data for country of qualification by individual countries are far from complete. There are large numbers of doctors who qualified outside the United Kingdom, for whom we cannot ascribe an individual country.
	
		NHS doctors and nurses in England whose country of primary medical qualification is Ethiopia; 2001
		
			  Numbers (headcount) 
		
		
			  
			 HCHS doctors 8 
			 General medical practitioners 0 
			 Nurses — 
		
	
	Note:
	Data on nationality are not collected, only country of primary medical qualification. This does not extend to nurses however, about which no such data are collected. Data as at 30 September 2001
	Sources:
	Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics
	Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census
	Information on the number of nurses employed in the NHS from Ethiopia is not collected centrally.

Medical Staff Recruitment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with medical staff recruitment agencies about recruitment of doctors and nurses from Ethiopia;
	(2)  what his policy is on recruitment of doctors and nurses from Ethiopia.

John Hutton: The Department published the code of practice for National Health Service employers involved in the international recruitment of healthcare professionals in October 2001. The code provides a detailed explanation of the processes that must be carried out when recruiting internationally to ensure that developing countries and those countries suffering significant staff shortages of their own are not targeted.
	The Department has established a list of agencies who are operating in line with the code of practice and information about the list has been conveyed to NHS employers who are strongly advised to refer to the list when establishing new contracts The Department has written to all commercial agencies it is aware of, asking them to provide references from both NHS and other customers confirming compliance with the code of practice. The code states that developing countries should not be targeted for recruitment.
	Ethiopia is classed as a developing country. The active recruitment of healthcare professionals from the country is therefore against the Department's code of practice.

Medical Staff Recruitment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what agreements he has reached with the Ethiopian Government about recruitment of Ethiopian doctors and nurses by the NHS.

John Hutton: There has been no contact between the Department and the Ethiopian Government at Ministerial or any other level.

Modernisation Agency

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the role of the Modernisation Agency is in delivering best practice in the NHS; and what its budget is for this in 2002–03.

John Hutton: The role of the Modernisation Agency is to support the National Health Service in making radical and sustainable changes to services for the benefit of patients and staff. The Agency's focus is delivery. Their work programme is closely aligned with achievement of NHS Plan targets.
	The budget for the Modernisation Agency for 2002–03 is £121 million.

Mortuary Facilities

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which hospitals have had recourse to the use of refrigerated lorries to provide mortuary facilities in the past year.

David Lammy: Guidance to national health service trusts on the need for temporary body storage facilities to be of a standard which respects patients' dignity was issued in 2000. This made explicit that refrigerated vehicles were not acceptable. The Department is not aware of any NHS trust failing to comply with this guidance.

Multiple Sclerosis

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what progress has been made on the prescription-plus-monitoring scheme for disease-modifying drugs for MS;
	(2)  if he will list the centres that have been authorised to prescribe beta interferons through his Department's prescription-plus-monitoring scheme;
	(3)  how many people he estimates will receive beta interferons under the prescription-plus-monitoring scheme;
	(4)  how long he estimates it will be before all people who may benefit from beta interferons have been assessed by a neurologist for the prescription-plus-monitoring scheme.

David Lammy: The designation of centres is a matter for local agreement. A list of centres is maintained by the scheme co-ordinator, Sheffield University's School of Health and Related Research, who should be approached for up to date information.
	Health Service Circular HSC 2002/004, which introduced the scheme, stated the intention to complete recruitment of patients within 18 months of the scheme being initiated by centres.
	It has been estimated that up to 9,000 patients in England and Wales may be eligible for treatment under the scheme.
	We understand that the majority of centres are now recruiting patients under the scheme.

National Service Framework for Older People

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to assess the implementation of the national service framework for older people in England.

Jacqui Smith: Monitoring the implementation of the national service framework for older people is ongoing and draws on a variety of processes. Information on meeting the 2001 and 2002 milestones has been collected from health and social care organisations. Less formal information gathering takes place regularly through a network of national health service and social services older people leads. A two-year progress report is due to be published in March 2003.

NHS Targets

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the baseline date was for the 24 and 48 hour access targets set out in the NHS plan; and what proportion of GP practices in England met the 24 and 48 hour access targets at that date.

John Hutton: The NHS Plan primary care access target was informed by the results of the 1998 National Patient Survey, which found that 53 per cent. of patients had been able to get an appointment with their general practitioner within two days of their preferred date. Both the baseline data and the target are expressed in terms of the access available to patients rather than the performance of practices.

NHS Targets

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the national targets adopted by the NHS.

John Hutton: The NHS Plan set out the Government's vision for the national health service and makes clear the commitments that we have made for improving services. A copy is available in the Library.
	We also recently published "Improvement, Expansion and Reform: Planning and Priorities Framework 2003–20056 (PPF)" which sets out the health and social care priorities for the next three years.
	A copy of the PPF is available in the Library.

NHS Trusts (Foundation Status)

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health why he will not disclose the names of the NHS trusts which expressed an interest in foundation status.

John Hutton: holding answer 13 January 2003
	31 national health service trusts expressed an interest in foundation status in June 2002. A number of these 31 NHS trusts did not retain their three star status in the performance ratings published in July 2002 and are no longer eligible to apply for foundation status so this list is out of date.
	Following publication of "A Guide to NHS Foundation trusts" on 11 December 2002, applications have been invited from current three star acute and specialist NHS trusts to become NHS foundation trusts. The application process has now begun and the closing date for preliminary applications is February 2003. In March 2003, we intend to announce a shortlist of candidates once the preliminary applications have been assessed.

Overseas Doctors (Language Requirements)

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the relationship between the change to the English language requirement for overseas doctors as outlined in the Medical Act 1993 Amendment Order 2002 and the provisions of Article 49 of the European draft directive on medical qualifications.

John Hutton: It is desirable that a doctor should have to satisfy the General Medical Council that he or she has the necessary knowledge of English before he or she can be registered. Our recent changes to the Medical Act and our position on the Commission's proposal both express this principle. We have also made it clear that we expect employers to ensure that all staff have the knowledge of English necessary for the work to be done, regardless of their registration status.

Overseas Doctors

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the proposed 16 week rule for doctors coming to work in the UK from elsewhere in Europe; and what representations he has made to the EU about the proposed 16 week rule for doctors;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the draft EU directive on the recognition of professional medical qualifications.

John Hutton: The aim of improving mobility of workers in the European Union is one we fully support. Exchanges of professional staff bring mutual benefits to this country, the national health service and other member states. However, free movement provisions must be balanced with proper safeguards for service quality and public protection and this view has been represented in European Union working groups and council debates on the Directive by both the United Kingdom and other member states. We shall ensure that this concern, including reservations about the 16-week provision of services, is addressed in ongoing negotiations on the Directive.

Overseas Doctors

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors who are citizens of (a) Pakistan and (b) India are working (i) in NHS hospitals and (ii) in general practice.

John Hutton: The Department does not collect data on citizenship, as requested. The number of national health service hospital doctors and general medical practitioners by country of primary medical qualification is shown in the table.
	The data for country of qualification by individual countries are far from complete. There are large numbers of doctors who qualified outside the United Kingdom, for whom we cannot ascribe an individual country. Information for country of primary medical qualification is derived from data supplied by the general medical council.
	
		NHS Hospital Doctors and General Medical Practitioners(18) by country of primary medical qualification—2001 -- Number (headcount)
		
			  India Pakistan 
		
		
			 NHS Hospital Medical Doctors 5,783 1,106 
			 GMPs 2,768 374 
		
	
	(18) Includes GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs, PMS Salaried GPs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para. 52 SFA), PMS Other and GP Retainers.
	Note:
	Data as at 30 September 2001.
	Sources:
	Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.
	Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

Overseas Treatment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition his Department uses of undue delay when assessing rights of NHS patients to access treatment in continental European hospitals.

John Hutton: The concept of undue delay applied by the European Court of Justice in Case 157/99 Geraets-Smits and Peerbooms was concerned with the conditions for the grant of authorisation for treatment in another member state.
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris) on 2 November 2001, Official Report, column 895W.

Overseas Treatment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his assessment is of the pilot scheme to send NHS patients for treatment in continental Europe; and when he plans to extend the availability of treatment in continental European hospitals of all NHS patients.

John Hutton: The evaluation report of the overseas treatment pilot carried out by York University Health Economics Consortium was published in August. Copies are available in the Library and on the Department of Health website at http://www. doh.gov.uk/international/evaluationreports.htm.
	Overseas treatment is an option open to national health service commissioners seeking to increase the number of patients treated, and reduce waiting times. Any NHS body can legally commission treatment abroad for its patients. However, it is up to local commissioners to decide, in the light of capacity constraints across their local health economies, and taking into account the different commissioning options available to them, whether or not to refer patients overseas for treatment.
	The Department has advised any trust wishing to refer patients overseas to contact one of the two "lead commissioners" who are responsible on behalf of the NHS in England for selecting overseas providers and contracting with them for treatment for NHS patients. These lead commissioners are based in Guy's and St. Thomas' Trust, and Kent and Medway Health Authority.

Public Health Laboratory Service

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the risks that those public health laboratories transferring to NHS trusts will lose their accreditation with United Kingdom Accreditation Services or with Clinical Pathology Accreditation; and what action has been taken to minimise these risks.

Hazel Blears: Our assessment is that transfer to national health services trusts does not affect the accreditation status of transferring laboratories with either Clinical Pathology Accreditation or United Kingdom Accreditation Services.

Polish Health Care Staff

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on progress towards the recognition of qualifications and accreditation of dentists trained and qualified in Poland with a view to their being allowed to practise in the United Kingdom on Poland's accession to the European Union;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on progress towards the recognition of qualifications and accreditation of (a) surgeons, (b) doctors and (c) nurses trained and qualified in Poland with a view to their possible recruitment to the NHS on Poland's accession to the European Union.

John Hutton: Once ratified, the Accession Treaty, which is currently being finalised following the agreement in Copenhagen, will provide for the recognition of Polish health professional qualifications on the same basis as for those awarded by other member states. Qualifications awarded following training begun after accession will comply with minimum Community requirements and be automatically recognised. In other cases, evidence of recent and substantial experience in Poland may be required. Arrangements for the recruitment of health professionals to the national health service are currently the subject of separate discussions between the Department and the Polish authorities.

Primary Care Trusts

Brian Cotter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the primary care trusts which have been classified as being in under-doctored areas on the basis of the number of general practitioner principals, or equivalents, per weighted head of the population; what funding is being targeted at these primary care trusts in order to aid general practitioner recruitment; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: A list of the primary care trusts which have been classified as under-doctored areas have been placed in the Library. The following strategic health authorities have no PCTs with under-doctored areas:
	North Central London
	North West London
	Avon Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
	South West Peninsula
	Thames Valley.
	The average PCT budget will grow over the next three years by 30.8 per cent. No PCT will receive an increase in funding over the next three years of less than 28 per cent. None of the growth money has been identified for specific purposes. PCTs will be able to use these extra resources to deliver on both national and local priorities.
	The Department has a series of measures to enhance general practitioner recruitment and retention. These include 'golden hello' payments, a returners campaign, a flexible career scheme, a retainers scheme, international recruitment and delayed retirement payments.
	In the 50 per cent. of PCTs with the lowest numbers of GPs per 100,000 weighted population, 'golden hello' payments of up to £12,000 are available rather than a maximum of £5,000 for other areas.
	To date, 1,988 GPs have received a 'golden hello' payment, 993 of which by GPs taking up posts in under-doctored areas.

Primary Care Trusts

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the funding allocated to primary care trusts for 2003–04 according to their distance from target funding.

John Hutton: Primary care trust revenue allocations for 2003–04, ranked by their distances from targets as determined by the weighted capitation formula, have been placed in the Library.

Primary Care Trusts

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to primary care trusts on their freedom to use private contractors as suppliers in the provision of health services.

John Hutton: Health Service Circular 2000/007, "Securing Service Delivery: Commissioning Freedoms of Primary Care Trusts", issued in April 2002, made clear that primary care trusts should feel free to commission care from wherever they can obtain the best services for patients. Commissioning decisions should be judged against the twin tests of high clinical standards and good value for money.

Prostate Cancer

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to implement the prostate cancer public awareness programme proposed as part of the NHS Prostate Cancer Programme launched in September 2002.

Hazel Blears: The national health service prostate cancer programme stated that an education programme for the public, patients and professionals on the risks associated with individual testing for prostate cancer will be introduced. This has been achieved through the prostate cancer risk management programme, which sent out evidence-based primary care resource packs to all general practitioners in England from 23 September 2002 to aid them in counselling men who are worried about prostate cancer. This ensures that men make an informed choice about whether or not to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test based on an information leaflet developed specifically for men about the advantages and disadvantages of having a PSA test.
	The Department of Health is funding a Section 64 grant to the Prostate Cancer Charity to increase further information about prostate cancer. This is supporting the creation, review, provision and dissemination of a range of awareness material, supported by £135,000 over three years.

Prostate Cancer

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he estimates that the prostate cancer five year survival rate in England will reach the current European average.

Hazel Blears: The actions set out in the National Health Service Cancer Plan will mean that England will have the fastest improvement in cancer services across Europe over the next five years and eventually a reduction in the death rate from cancer among people aged under 75 years by at least 20 per cent. by 2010. The NHS prostate cancer programme sets out the specific action proposed for prostate cancer.
	European comparisons of cancer survival rates require careful interpretation, especially for prostate cancer, where differing levels of prostate specific antigen testing affect the numbers of men identified with the disease and where a significant proportion of men with prostate cancer will die of another cause.

Prostate Cancer

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what action he is taking to improve the five year survival rates from prostate cancer in England; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what progress has been made towards the achievement of the Government's NHS prostate cancer programme; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what plans he has to encourage men to make more use of (a) traditional prostate cancer tests and (b) PSA tests;
	(4)  what action he is taking to encourage (a) more charitable funding and (b) more Government funding for research into prostate cancer.

Hazel Blears: Good progress has been made since the national health service prostate cancer programme was launched on 6 September 2000, setting out the Government's approach to improving prostate cancer services in England and Wales.
	As part of the prostate cancer risk management programme (PCRMP), evidence-based primary care resource packs were sent to all general practitioners in England from 23 September 2002 to aid them in counselling men who are worried about prostate cancer, ensuring the men make an informed choice about whether or not to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.
	Other elements of the PCRMP include ensuring that a systematic and standardised follow-up pathway is available for individuals whose test result is above the PSA threshold and action to improve the quality of laboratory testing of PSA samples. Primary care and laboratories were informed of recommendations from the scientific reference group which supports the PCRMP in September 2002.
	By 2003–04 the Department of Health will be directly funding £4.2 million of research a year on prostate cancer. This is a 20-fold increase compared with 1999–2000. Two National Cancer Research Institute prostate cancer research collaboratives have been established in Newcastle and London. Funded research includes studies on various treatments for prostate cancer, improving the PSA test and ethnic differences in prostate cancer incidence. The National Cancer Research Institute considered prostate cancer as part of its Strategic Analysis in 2002, but made no specific recommendations.
	The Department of Health is funding a Section 64 grant to the Prostate Cancer Charity to increase further information about prostate cancer. This is supporting the creation, review, provision and dissemination of a range of awareness material, supported by £135,000 over three years.
	92.4 per cent. of patients with suspected urological cancers (including prostate) were seen for their first outpatient appointment within two weeks of their general practitioner deciding they should be urgently referred, and the hospital receiving the referral within 24 hours, in April to June 2002.
	The cancer services collaborative is modernising cancer care, including prostate cancer, by reducing unnecessary delays in the system for patients throughout the cancer journey.
	The number of consultant urologists grew from 382 in 2000 to 427 in 2001, and is set to grow to 504 in 2005. There may be around an additional 100 trained specialists available to take up consultant posts in urology.
	The National Institute of Clinical Excellence's guidance on urological cancers, including prostate cancer, entitled 'Improving Outcomes in Urological Cancers: The Manual', was published in September 2002.

Psychotherapy (Doctors in Training)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the reasons are for the change in the number of hospital doctors in training for psychotherapy since 1997.

John Hutton: The Royal College of Psychiatrists changed training arrangements after the introduction of the specialist registrar grade so that trainees spend more time at senior house officer (SHO) level, and less time as specialist registrars. Changes of this type take time to filter through. There has been an increase in SHO numbers but not at a sufficient rate to compensate for more experienced specialist registrars moving on to become consultants.
	The table shows the number of doctors in training within the specialty of psychotherapy since 1997.
	
		Hospital medical doctors in training with the psychotherapy specialty -- England at 30 Septembernumbers (headcount)
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 
		
		
			 Doctors in training 50 40 40 40 40 
			 of which  
			 Registrar Group 40 40 30 30 30 
			 Senior House Officers (19)— 10 10 10 20 
			 House Officers (19)— (19)— (19)— (19)— (19)— 
		
	
	(19) Denotes five or less than five
	Notes:
	Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.
	Due to rounding totals may not equal the sum of component parts.
	Source:
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census

Registered GP Patients

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of (a) people over 18, (b) people under 18 and (c) the total population were registered with a general practitioner in (i) England and (ii) each NHS region in each year since 1996.

John Hutton: This information is contained respectively in the primary care trusts' lists of populations registered with a general practitioner and in the national Office of National Statistics census resident population. These two data sources are different and do not allow the requested comparison to be made.

Reservists

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of (a) general practitioners, (b) consultants, (c) nurses and (d) other NHS staff who will be required to serve overseas in the event of a conflict with Iraq (i) from the West Midlands (South) Strategic Health Authority area and (ii) from the NHS.

David Lammy: At this stage, we do not know how many national health service staff in the Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Strategic Health Authority area or in the NHS as a whole might be required to serve overseas in any possible action against Iraq.

Roaccutane

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when the Medical Control Agency will complete the review of the safety of Roaccutane; and what independent sources of information have been used by the Medical Control Agency in the assessment of the side effects of Roaccutane;
	(2)  what research has been undertaken into those suffering the most serious side effects of Roaccutane to identify those who may be vulnerable; and if he will review advice given to doctors and patients regarding the side effects of Roaccutane;
	(3)  how many reported cases of patients suffering side effects of Roaccutane there have been in each year since it was first prescribed.

David Lammy: Roaccutane (isotretinoin), a vitamin A derivative for the treatment of severe acne, was launched on the United Kingdom market in 1983. The table provides a breakdown of the number of reports of suspected adverse reactions received each year through the Yellow Card Scheme for oral isotretinoin.
	
		
			 Year reaction occurred Number of reports 
		
		
			 1983 10 
			 1984 36 
			 1985 59 
			 1986 89 
			 1987 75 
			 1988 64 
			 1989 36 
			 1990 56 
			 1991 44 
			 1992 60 
			 1993 57 
			 1994 75 
			 1995 56 
			 1996 57 
			 1997 64 
			 1998 100 
			 1999 82 
			 2000 97 
			 2001 65 
			 2002 43 
		
	
	A report of a suspected adverse reaction does not necessarily mean that it was caused by the medicine. The number of reports received should not be used as a basis for determining the incidence of a reaction as neither the total number of reactions occurring, nor the number of patients using the drug is known.
	The safety of all medicines on the UK market is continuously monitored by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) with independent expert advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM). The sources of information used in this process include UK and foreign reports of suspected adverse reactions, published literature and unpublished studies, information on the level of drug prescribing, information received from other regulatory authorities throughout the world as well as information received from the marketing authorisation holder. There is a substantial body of published research on the safety of isotretinoin and a list of relevant publications has been placed in the House Library.
	Warnings about risk factors are included in the summary of product characteristics (SPC) for prescribers and the patient information leaflet (PIL). The product information for oral isotretjnoin products states that it should not be used in patients with the following risk factors for side effects: known hypersensitivity (allergy) to the product, liver and kidney disease and in patients taking certain antibiotics (tetracyclines). In addition, isotretinoin should not be used during pregnancy because of the risk of major foetal abnormalities and should not be given to breast feeding women. Warnings are also present about a possible increase in the risk of side effects in patients with a history of depression, patients with diabetes, obesity, alcoholism or lipid metabolism disorders and asthmatic patients.
	Advice about the side effects associated with the use of isotretinoin and the risk of teratogenicity (birth defects) has been issued to all doctors and pharmacists in the MCA/GSM bulletin "Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance" in October 1983, December 1997 and August 1998 as well as in the British National Formulary which is issued to health professionals twice a year.
	The MCA is currently leading a European-wide review of the product information of isotretinoin products including Roaccutane, with the aim to ensure that up-to-date and consistent information is provided to health professionals and patients to optimise its safe use. This review is likely to take some months to complete. Any new advice will be communicated to health professionals and patients.

Romford (New Hospital)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the NHS Trust in Havering regarding the building of a new hospital in Romford; and if he will make a statement.

John Hutton: I have had no discussions with the national health service trust in Havering regarding the building of a new hospital in Romford.
	Barking Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust is making good progress with the development of the private finance initiative solution for the new hospital. It has selected a preferred bidder and the full business case (FBC) is now with the Department of Health. Subject to approval of the FBC, it is anticipated that contracts will be signed by March 2003.

Section 56 Grants

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of organisations applying for section 56 grants have been successful in each of the past 10 years; and what the average grant given was in each of those years.

David Lammy: holding answer 7 January 2003
	The Department's Section 64 General Scheme of grants is its main support of national voluntary organisations working in the health and social care fields. Grants may be awarded for up to three financial years. In each application round, on average, only one in three or one in four applications for new/renewal grants are successful.
	During 1996–97, a new database was set up to control records and the table shows the data held.
	
		
			 Financial year Applications received Total grants paid Voluntary organisations receiving grants Total amount of grants paid £ million Average grant £000 
		
		
			 1995–96 —(20) 595 416 19.9 33.4 
			 1996–97 629 581 450 20.8 35.8 
			 1997–98 627 612 440 21.4 35.0 
			 1998–99 784 643 469 21.1 32.8 
			 1999–2000 717 643 410 22.2 34.5 
			 2000–01 713 579 373 22.6 39.0 
			 2001–02 764 583 397 21.5 36.9 
		
	
	(20) Not available.
	Note:
	Column 2 shows the total number of applications for separate grants received for each financial year. Records are not kept, however, of the number of voluntary organisations applying. Variations in the total amount of grants paid in column 5 reflect in-year transfers of funds for particular grants or initiatives.

Sterile Service Facilities

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations his Department has had (a) within and (b) outside the NHS about the (i) provision of sterilisation services and (ii) proposals for a new network of centralised sterile service facilities for the NHS in England.

David Lammy: The Department has not organised any formal consultation exercise about the provision of decontamination services. We did, however, organise a series of roadshows on decontamination for the national health service in 2001. Officials have also had numerous discussions with individual NHS trusts and other NHS organisations.
	The Department is actively seeking to develop the market in sterile services and is encouraging new entrants as well as existing suppliers to participate in procurements. To that end, officials have met existing and potential suppliers on over 100 occasions: in specially arranged conferences and workshops, private meetings with individual companies, visits to reference sites and meetings with trade associations.

Student Nurses

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average value is of the bursary for students of nursing degrees in terms of pounds per hour.

John Hutton: Nursing degree students are required to complete a minimum number of training hours over the whole of any course. The number of actual hours of study in an academic year will vary considerably. There are also significant variations in the levels of bursary degree students receive to take account of individual circumstances.
	For these reasons it is not possible to provide an average value of nursing students' bursaries in terms of pounds per hour.

Thames Gateway

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extra resources required to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway area; what discussions he has had with other Government Departments in relation to supporting the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway; and what resources he has allocated to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway.

John Hutton: National health service organisations covering the Thames Gateway area, in North East London, South East London, South Essex and North Kent, are actively working with a range of partners on developing plans for the Thames Gateway. The aims are to ensure new communities are sustainable, and both enjoy good health and have access to high quality health services.
	The Department is ensuring that there is a strategic overview and will analyse the outcome of this local planning in the form of a 'Health Scenario' for the Thames Gateway as a whole. This work will detail the additional health and social service provision needed to support the development of new sustainable communities. It is anticipated that this work will be finalised in the spring.
	Planning for the Thames Gateway is led by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and co-ordinated by the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership. I represent the Department on this partnership.
	Funding for services in the Thames Gateway will be allocated in the normal way through primary care trusts. Those PCTs covering the Thames Gateway area will see an overall increase of 34 per cent., or nearly £705 million, in monies available to them over the next three financial years. Some PCTs will see a much bigger increase, including Barking and Dagenham PCT, whose resources will increase by 42.5 per cent. This increased level of resource, along with additional capital building programmes in the Gateway, including a new £230 million, 860 bed hospital at Romford, will result in an expansion in the services available to the residents of the Thames Gateway.
	The increased growth in population resulting from promoting the Thames Gateway as an area of population growth is expected to take place beyond 2006–07. The resources needed to support additional health and social care provision in the Thames Gateway will therefore need to be identified in future Spending Reviews.

Ukrainian Health Care Staff

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy on the recognition of qualifications and accreditation of professional medical staff, including surgeons and nurses, in the Ukraine with a view to possible recruitment to the NHS.

John Hutton: We welcome the contribution made to the national health service by overseas qualified professionals. Practitioners must be registered to work in the NHS. The assessment of applications for registration is the responsibility of the General Medical Council for doctors, and of the Nursing and Midwifery Council for nurses.

Waiting Times

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards meeting the four hour maximum waiting time target for accident and emergency departments in (a) England and (b) each NHS region.

David Lammy: The NHS Plan set the target for accident and emergency (A&E) departments to reduce the maximum wait in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge to four hours by December 2004.
	In quarter two 2002–03, 77 per cent. of patients spent less than four hours total time in A&E in England.
	The table shows this figure broken down into strategic health authorities.
	
		
			 Name of strategic health authority in England Total attendances at major A&E Percentage of patients who spent less than four hours in A&E 
		
		
			 England 3,095,650 77 
			 Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire HA 106,095 83 
			 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire HA 86,041 76 
			 Essex HA 84,375 72 
			 North West London HA 160,240 74 
			 North Central London HA 101,049 77 
			 North East London HA 116,966 63 
			 South East London HA 118,576 72 
			 South West London HA 91,844 68 
			 Northumberland, Tyne and Wear HA 88,259 89 
			 County Durham and Tees Valley HA 71,301 93 
			 North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire HA 87,462 83 
			 West Yorkshire HA 176,184 85 
			 Cumbria and Lancashire HA 120,115 89 
			 Greater Manchester HA 214,486 77 
			 Cheshire and Merseyside HA 179,833 75 
			 Thames Valley HA 101,727 71 
			 Hampshire and Isle of Wight HA 78,699 79 
			 Kent and Medway HA 88,867 71 
			 Surrey and Sussex HA 155,325 75 
			 Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire HA 118,453 78 
			 South West Peninsula HA 76,484 79 
			 Somerset and Dorset HA 57,018 84 
			 South Yorkshire HA 95,108 90 
			 Trent HA 127,945 83 
			 Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland HA 59,710 68 
			 Shropshire and Staffordshire HA 72,812 73 
			 Birmingham and the Black Country HA 176,872 83 
			 Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire HA 83,804 82

Winter Vomiting Virus

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals have been closed for admissions in each of the last 10 years as a result of winter vomiting virus.

John Hutton: Detailed information over the last ten years in the form requested is not held centrally. It would be very unusual for a hospital to be completely closed to admissions. However, partial restrictions on some admissions may be applied for a range of reasons including winter vomiting virus. These restrictions usually apply for very short periods until operational pressures have eased.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Child Care

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many full-time child care places are provided through Sure Start programmes.

Maria Eagle: The first 260 round 1–4 Sure Start local programmes plan to have created 10,000 new full time childcare places by 2003–04. The programmes approved continues to grow towards the target of at least 500 programmes. Programmes beyond the first 260 will create further childcare places.

Child Care

Julia Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to improve access to child care for working parents.

Maria Eagle: holding answer 16 January 2003
	We have funded an unprecedented expansion in child care provision throughout the country through the National Childcare Strategy. Since 1997, 553,000 new places have been created benefiting more than one million children.
	A new Unit, led by my colleague the Minister for Sure Start (Baroness Catherine Ashton) and accountable for delivery to both the Department for Education and Skills and the Department for Work and Pensions, will administer a budget of £1.5 billion a year by 2006. This includes more than doubling child care spending.
	By March 2004, new child care places for 1.6 million children will be created, with further new places established for 450,000 children by 2006. Specific initiatives, such as the establishment of Children's Centres and Neighbourhood Nurseries, will expand high quality, safe child care in disadvantaged areas, increasingly provided alongside early education and family support.
	Substantial help with child care costs is provided to lower income families through the child care tax credit element of the Working Families Tax Credit. This assistance will continue in an improved and more flexible form as part of the new Working Tax Credit from April 2003.

Departmental Consultation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what his arrangements are for consulting the governors of (a) community schools, (b) foundation schools and (c) voluntary schools on changes to regulations; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which such consultations have been undertaken through an intermediary body in the last 12 months;
	(2)  what his arrangements are for consulting the trustees of voluntary schools (a) in the trusteeship of dioceses and (b) in other trusteeships on changes to regulations; and if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which such consultations have been undertaken through an intermediary body in the last 12 months.

David Miliband: The arrangements for consulting the groups in question on changes to regulations are in line with the arrangements that we have for consulting schools more generally in England on proposed changes to regulations.
	The Department follows the code of practice which was issued by the Cabinet Office in November 2000. In planning distribution and coverage we take a number of factors into account including (a) the likely impact and burden of bureaucracy on schools in automatically being sent mailings from DfES; (b) the likely time resource that is required at the school end to respond in a full and effective way to consultation documents within the specified time and (c) the type of regulation, or changes to regulations, proposed.
	With these factors in mind documents are sent to a randomly selected and representative cross sample of schools within a particular school type category. Simultaneously consultation documents are routinely placed on the DfES public website and recorded in the DfES publication "Spectrum" which allows all types of schools and other bodies to access and view consultation documents as they see fit.
	As well as the random cross sample of schools to which consultation documents are sent, a number of organisations and bodies external to schools also receive them. These will generally include intermediaries such as dioceses who are sent paper copies of consultation papers about school matters. The following list shows the consultations of relevance to schools that have taken place in the past 12 months to which, through a variety of means, intermediary bodies will have had access.
	Consultation title
	Consultation on Accessible Schools: Planning to increase access to schools for disabled pupils
	Revised Guidance on Exclusion from School-Draft for Consultation
	Quinquennial Review of Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
	Consultation on Raising Standards-Training and Development for Leaders and Managers
	14–19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards (Adults)
	National Centre for Excellence in Science Teaching
	14–19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards (Young People)
	Publication of School and College Performance Tables in2002 Consultation
	Proposals to introduce a mandatory requirement for first-time headteachers to hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
	Electronic Communications in Education: an Order under the Electronic Communications Act 2000
	STRB report on teacher workload
	Performance Pay Progression: Reconsultation on Revised Special Grant Report
	Investment to Support the Provision of New Pupil Places in Schools
	Consultation on the Constitution of School Governing Bodies
	Consultation on School Organisation Proposals by the Learning and Skills Council under the Education Act 2002
	Teachers Pension Scheme: Amendments to the Teachers' Pensions Regulations 1997
	Extending the National Curriculum for England to Include the Foundation Stage
	Consultation on Revised School Admissions and Admission Appeals Codes of Practice and Accompanying Regulations
	Consultation on Acoustic Design of Schools

Departmental Consultation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the consultations undertaken by his Department in the last calendar year, indicating those which did not comply with the good government guidance on consultation.

Stephen Twigg: A list of the public consultations undertaken by my Department, which commenced after 1 January 2002 and closed before 31 December 2002 is in the following table. The Department has complied with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation, in each case applying exemptions where appropriate, especially where for the conduct of efficient business and in the public interest my Department was required to take urgent action. I have indicated where my Department applied an exemption to the 12 week minimum period for a consultation, as specified in criterion 5 of the Code.
	
		
			 Consultation title Consultation period if less than 12 weeks 
		
		
			 Consultation on Accessible Schools: Planning to increase access to schools for disabled pupils 10 weeks 
			 Revised Guidance on Exclusion from School—Draft for Consultation  
			 Quinquennial Review of Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) 6 weeks 
			 Quinquennial Review of Investors in People UK 4 weeks 
			 Consultation on Raising Standards—Training and Development for Leaders and Managers  
			 14–19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards (Adults)  
			 National Centre for Excellence in Science Teaching  
			 The Adult Common Basic Data Set  
			 Early Years and Childcare Regulation  
			 14–19: Extending Opportunities, Raising Standards (Young People)  
			 Investors in Children Consultation Paper  
			 Publication of School and College Performance Tables in 2002 Consultation 9 weeks 
			 Proposals to introduce a mandatory requirement for first-time headteachers to hold the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)  
			 Electronic Communications in Education: an Order under the Electronic Communications Act 2000  
			 STRB report on teacher workload 8 weeks 
			 Performance Pay Progression: Reconsultation on Revised Special Grant Report 4 weeks 
			 Together From The Start—Practical guidance for professionals working with disabled children (birth to 2) and their families  
			 Developing Early Intervention/Support Services for Deaf Children and their Families  
			 The Department for Education and Skills—Race Equality Scheme  
			 Supporting the cost of home-based child care  
			 Success for All: Reforming Further Education and Training  
			 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications  
			 Investment to Support the Provision of New Pupil Places in Schools 
			 Consultation on the Constitution of School Governing Bodies  
			 Consultation on School Organisation Proposals by the Learning and Skills Council under the Education Act 2002  
			 Teachers Pension Scheme: Amendments to the Teachers' Pensions Regulations 1997 9 weeks 
			 Extending the National Curriculum for England to include the foundation stage 7 weeks 
			 Consultation on Revised School Admissions and Admission Appeals Codes of Practice and Accompanying Regulations 3 weeks 
			 Consultation on Acoustic Design of Schools

Departmental Expenditure (Newsprint)

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total expenditure of his Department was on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in 2002.

Charles Clarke: During the 2001–02 financial year the Department spent £294,000 on the purchase of books, newspapers, magazines and periodicals. This figure includes expenditure incurred before some functions transferred to the Department for Work and Pensions and other departments. It is not possible to separate costs further without disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the distribution of his Department's wholetime equivalent staff was, including the staff in agencies and other bodies reporting to him, in each Government office region and nation of the UK (a) in 1996 and (b) at the most recent available period.

Stephen Twigg: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 15 January 2003, Official Report, column 609W.

Departmental Staff

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many full-time equivalent staff are employed in (a) the Department and (b) each of the agencies it sponsors; and what the equivalent figures were for 1997.

Stephen Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 January 2003, Official Report, column 697W.

Education Business Links

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what role Education Business Links play in facilitating work-related learning placements with small and medium sized enterprises.

Stephen Twigg: Education/business links have an important role to play in providing experiences of the world of work for young people. We are providing £25 million in 2002–03 to promote closer links between schools and business. Education/business links organisations work with many small and medium sized enterprises to provide opportunities for work-related learning for young people, including work experience placements undertaken by 95 per cent. of pupils at Key Stage 4.
	In addition, through our "Increased Flexibility for 14–16 Year Olds" programme, we are making available £38 million which will create over 30,000 part-time placements per annum in 2002–04. This programme will give many young people at Key Stage 4 the chance to pursue vocational courses in colleges, with training providers and with employers. Early indications are that education/business links organisations and small and medium sized enterprises are involved in the local delivery of the programme.

Ethical Banking

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what contracts have been concluded as a result of the Government's commitment to support ethical banking.

Stephen Twigg: The Government believe it is important for consumers to have choice in financial products, including the availability of 'ethical' products. However, it would not be appropriate for the Government to exclusively support the development of one specific group of financial service providers. It is for individual consumers to decide the attributes they most value from their financial services and for financial services firms to be transparent about their use of funds and investments.

External Consultants

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total cost to his Department was of the use of external consultants in 2002.

Stephen Twigg: For 2001–02 £5.7 million 1 was spent on administrative consultancy costs and for 2002–03 £2 million has been spent to date. This figure excludes programme consultancy costs which are currently not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. From April 2003 arrangements will be made to collect centrally expenditure information for programme consultancy costs.
	1 This figure includes consultancy spend incurred by central functions that subsequently transferred to other Government Departments under Machinery of Government changes.

Fair Trade

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what fair trade criteria he sets when deciding upon what suppliers to use.

Stephen Twigg: I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by the Chief Secretary on 9 December 2002, Official report, column 92W which read as follows.
	"There is no Government-wide approach to the procurement of Fair trade products. Each Government Department is responsible for making its own decisions on such products, against the background of the Government's value for money policy, the EC procurement rules and the Department's objectives. However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has made clear, the Government are committed to supporting ethical trading wherever possible and provide significant support to the Fair trade Foundation's efforts in promoting the supply and marketing of Fair trade products".
	In line with Government procurement policy the evaluation of tenders is based on value for money considerations having due regard to propriety and regularity. The use of fair trade products was given due consideration alongside other requirements during the recent catering service procurement with a subsequent clause included within the contract requiring that, wherever possible, fair trade beverages are offered for sale in all DfES Head Office restaurants.

Job Sharing

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in his Department.

Stephen Twigg: The Department promotes and supports the use of a range of flexible working patterns including job sharing, to enable staff to balance home and work responsibilities. Flexible working options for staff include part-time work, a flexi-time system, compressed hours, part-year working and home working. Internal vacancies in the Department are open to all staff, irrespective of their working arrangements or pattern of work. Applicants for external vacancies are also invited to apply on a full time, part time or job share basis.
	The Department does not keep a record of the number of people specifically employed on job share contracts. 12.5 per cent. (569) of staff are employed under a range of part-time work patterns.

Ministerial Visits

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer of 8 January 2003, ref. 89323, if he will give details of each ministerial visit during 2002 on departmental business to (a) Belgium, (b) France, (c) Slovakia, (d) Italy, (e) Australia and (f) the United States, including (i) the purpose of the visit, (ii) the Ministers involved, (iii) the number of officials accompanying the Minister, (iv) the number of advisers accompanying the Minister and (v) the cost of the visit.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 13 January 2003
	The Government publish an annual list of Cabinet Ministers' visits overseas costing more than £500, and the annual cost of all Ministers' visitsoverseas. For details of visits overseas during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 24 July 2002, Official Report, column 1375W. Similar details for 2002–03 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year.

Post-16 Funding

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the budget is for school sixth form and college access funds for (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 19 December 2002
	The Department for Education and Skills has allocated £129.38m in 2002–03 for Learner Support Funds (access funds) and £159.68m in 2003–2004.
	Funding is distributed via the Learning & Skills Council to colleges, external institutions, school and college sixth forms in the further education sector.

Public Bodies

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the present appointees of the (a) Centre for Information on Language Teaching, (b) Construction Industry Training Board, (c) Engineering Construction Industry Training Board, (d) Equal Opportunities Commission, (e) Funding Agency for Schools, (f) Further Education Funding Council, (g) Further Education Funding Council Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Committee, (h) Higher Education Funding Council for England, (i) Investors in People UK, (j) Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, (k) REMPLOY, (l) National Advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities, (m) National Disability Council and (n) Teacher Training Agency.

Stephen Twigg: The information requested is as follows:
	
		Current Teacher Training Agency—Board Members
		
			  
		
		
			 Executive Members  
			 Sir Professor Clive Booth Chair 
			 Dr. John Crater Director and Chief Executive Edgehill College of FE 
			 Carole Evans Retired Primary Head 
			 Professor David Reynolds Dept of Education Loughborough University 
			 Maggie Semple Chief Exec: The Experience Corp 
			 Professor Eileen Baker Principal and Chief Exec, Bishop Grosseteste College 
			 Prof Barbara Mac Gilchrist Dean of ITT, ULIE 
			 David Kershaw Head Coundon Court School and Community College 
			 Victoria Nye Director, Association of Unit Trusts and Investments Funds 
			 Christopher Baker Freelance Consultant 
			 Non Executive Member  
			 Ralph Tabberer Chief Executive TTA 
		
	
	
		Investors in People UK—Board Members
		
			  
		
		
			 Tim Melville-Ross Chair 
			 Hans Reismann Scotland 
			 Sheila Drury Wales 
			 Geraldine Keegan Northern Ireland 
			 Martin Henry CBI-SMEs 
			 Samantha Gemmell Small Business Council 
			 Michael Stark LSC 
			 Lord Tom Sawyer Ex Gen Sec Labour Party 
			 Sue Thomas Redwood 
			 Garry Hawkes Accord PLC 
			 Ed Sweeney TU-UNIFI 
			 Norman McLean National Mentoring Consortium 
			 Hugh Try DfES interests 
			 Janice Shiner DfES Assessor 
			 Stephen Marston DfES Assessor 
			 Ruth Spellman liPUK 
			 John Rhodes DTI (Observer) 
		
	
	
		Centre for Information on Language Training—Board of Governors
		
			  
		
		
			  
			 Mr. Stephen Jones Chair 
			 Mr. Jim Beale  
			 Mr. Richard Bunker  
			 Mr. Jonathan Day Head of Languages, The Lord Grey School, Milton Keynes 
			 Mr. Peter Downes  
			 Ms Anne Farren Richmond LEA 
			 Mr. Colin Flint QBE  
			 Mr. Terry Lamb Department of Educational Studies, The University of Sheffield 
			 Mr. Ian A. Lamont QBE Rector, Alva Academy 
			 Dr. Peter Lehmann CBE Energy Saving Trust 
			 Mr. Anthony Lunch Managing Director, Business Link 
			 Mr. Hugh Morgan-Williams Canford Audio plc 
			 Dr. Susan Price Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of East London 
			 Mr. Mike Short Barclay School, Stevenage 
			 Professor Eric Sunderland  
			 Mr. Peter Thompson Business in the Community 
		
	
	Higher Education Funding Council for England—Board Members
	Chair:
	Mr. David Young
	Chief Executive:
	Professor Sir Howard Newby
	Members:
	Dr. John Taylor QBE
	Professor Sir Ron Cooke
	Mrs. Jackie Fisher
	Dr. David Potter CBE
	Professor Sir Gareth Roberts
	Ms Dorma Urwin
	Mr. Stephen Bundred
	Professor Peter Scott
	Mr. Richard Coldwell
	Mr. Peter Saraga
	Professor Nigel Savage
	Mrs. Ann Lloyd
	Sir Richard Sykes
	In April 2001 the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) replaced the Further Education Funding Council. Current members of the LSC National Council are as folows.
	
		
			  
		
		
			 Members  
			 Bryan Sanderson Chair 
			 John Harwood Chief Executive 
			 Chris Banks Chief Executive, Big Thoughts Ltd. 
			 Vincent Watts Chair, East of England Regional Development Agency 
			 Jane Drabble QBE Former Director of Education, BBC 
			 Imtiaz Farookhi Chief Executive, National House Building Council 
			 Professor Bob Fryer CBE Chief Executive, National Health Service University 
			 John Merry Deputy Leader, Salford City Council 
			 John Monks General Secretary, Trade Union Congress 
			 Lynne Morris Principal, Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, Birmingham 
			 Sir George Sweeney Principal, Knowsley Community College, Merseyside 
			 Alexandra Burslem Vice Chancellor, Manchester Metropolitan University 
			 Giles Clarke Chair and Chief Executive ATL Telecom 
			 Digby Jones Director General, Confederation of British Industry 
			 Shirley Cramer Chief Executive, Dyslexia Institute 
		
	
	Engineering Construction Industry Training Board—Board Members
	Chair:
	Jim Rowland CBE
	Employers:
	Barbara Rider
	Mike Hockey
	Douglas Walker
	Louise Ferguson
	Chris Lloyd-Jones
	Richard Leamon
	Brian Rogan
	Colin Barnes
	William McLean
	Employer Association officials:
	Brenig Williams
	Clients: (Two posts)
	Jeffrey House
	Dr. Alix Thorn
	Trade Union representatives:
	Paul Corby
	Neil Moore
	HE representative:
	Prof Ron McCaffer
	FE representative:
	Rae Angus
	Construction Industry Training Board—Board Members
	Chairman:
	Sir Michael Latham
	Deputy Chairman:
	Peter Rogerson
	Employers:
	Stewart Tilley
	John Milne
	Malcolm Harris
	Michael Fitchett
	Trevor Gamble
	Howard Baggaley
	Roderick Tait
	Neil Telling
	Maurice Denyer
	Geoffrey Snow
	Geoffrey Lister
	Margaret Sullivan
	James Wates
	Clients
	David Adamson
	Trade Union representatives
	George Brumwell
	Robert Blackman
	HE representative:
	Prof Brian Lee
	FE representative:
	Mrs. Sadie Walton
	
		
			  
		
		
			 Qualifications and Curriculum Authority—Board Members 
			 Sir Anthony Greener Chair 
			 Ian McAllister Deputy Chair 
			 Ken Boston Chief Executive QCA 
			 Anne Duke Headteacher, Southwater County Infant School 
			 Jenny Fitton Principal, Taunton's College 
			 Ed Gould Master, Marlborough College 
			 Terry Morgan Chief Executive, Tube lines 
			 Dennis Richards Headteacher, St. Aiden's C of E High School 
			 Ray Shostak Director of Children, Schools and Families Service 
			 Nick Stuart Vice President, National Institute of Adult Continuing Education 
			 Ted Wragg School of Education, Exeter University 
		
	
	The Funding Agency for Schools
	The Funding Agency for Schools was responsible for grant payments to Grant Maintained Schools, and associated planning issues. Following the reversion of GM schools into the LEA sector in 1999, the agency (which was a Non-Departmental Public Body) was wound up on 1 November 1999 under s.132 of the School Standards and Framework Act.
	The Department for Education and Skills does not have responsibility for the following organisations:
	
		
			  
		
		
			 REMPLOY Department for Work and Pensions 
			 National advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities Department for Work and Pensions 
			 National Disability Council Department for Work and Pensions 
			 Equal Opportunities Commission Department of Trade and Industry Department of Trade and Industry

School Fires

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had over the past year on measures to reduce arson attacks on schools; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: Officials from this Department sit on the Arson in Schools Working Group. This comprises experts representing the insurance industry, the fire and police services, local authorities and Government Departments. The group meets regularly to review new data on school fires and advises on ways of reducing the risks of arson in schools through seminars and publications. One of its outputs has been the publication of the guide "How to Combat Arson in Schools", copies of which have been sent to all maintained schools in the United Kingdom.

School Fires

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had on measures to mitigate the effects of fires in schools; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: If a fire should happen in a school, the Department's primary concern is for the safety of pupils, teachers and other users. Regulation 17 of the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 requires that every part of a school building, and of the land provided for a school, shall be such that the safe escape of the occupants in case of fire is reasonably assured. Schools are also covered by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and by subsequent related regulations. These include aspects of fire safety.
	To help schools manage fire safety, the Department published Managing School Facilities Guide 6, "Fire Safety", in 2000. This offers guidance on how to minimise the risk of fire, including identifying hazards and carrying out risk assessments. It also gives advice on training and on fire detection and alarm systems.

School Fires

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has for (a) issuing guidance and (b) making it a statutory obligation that newly built schools should have fire sprinklers installed.

David Miliband: Since April 2001, all new construction work at schools has been subject to approval under the Building Regulations. Projects will not be approved unless they are designed in accordance with the 2000 edition of Approved Document B (Fire Safety), which accompanies the regulations. The Building Regulations do not require the installation of fire sprinkler systems in new school accommodation and the Department does not intend to seek such a change.
	The Department's guide "Fire Safety" includes information on fire sprinklers. It states that, though expensive to install, their use may be worthwhile in schools where the risk of arson is high. In these circumstances sprinkler systems can help minimise the loss of valuable course work and teaching materials through fire, and prevent major disruption to the life of a school.

School Fires

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what was the estimated cost of arson attacks in schools in each of the past five years.

David Miliband: The Department does not collect these figures.

School Laboratories

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information the appraisal of asset management plans generated on the condition of accommodation and equipment in secondary school science laboratories.

David Miliband: The condition data that have been collected from local education authorities in connection with their asset management plans do not separately identify the condition of science laboratories or the equipment they contain. To have asked for spaces to be separately identified would have placed an undue burden on authorities.

School Laboratories

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to ask OFSTED to monitor spending on schools' laboratories and equipment supplies in more detail than at present.

David Miliband: OFSTED as part of its general remit assesses the suitability of school buildings for delivery of the National Curriculum, including the sciences. There are at present no plans to ask OFSTED separately to monitor the spending on schools' laboratories and equipment supplies. Generally, we do not monitor details of capital investment at LEA level because of the bureaucratic burden that this would impose. An evaluation report of £60 million capital funding that was allocated to LEAs for the School Laboratories for 21st Century scheme in 2000–01 and 2001–02, covering a sample of 149 participating LEAs will be prepared over the next 12 months.

School Laboratories

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provisions will be made for schools with unsatisfactory or worse science accommodation that did not benefit from the funding made available through the School Laboratories for the 21st Century scheme.

David Miliband: The central Government funding available for investment in school buildings will rise from £3 billion this year, to £3.8 billion for 2003–04, and will rise further to over £5 billion by 2005–06. The bulk of this funding is allocated by formula to schools and to local education authorities (LEAs) to support investment in their priority needs. LEAs have Asset Management Plans (AMPs) to prioritise these needs locally in a rigorous, open and consultative process, based on a full survey of the building needs of all their schools, including for science teaching and learning, and reflecting government priorities such as our aim to improve the provision of laboratories. Schools now receive substantial direct capital funding, to give them a direct stake in investment in their buildings, including in laboratories. A secondary school of 1,000 pupils will in 2003–04 receive about £75,000 of direct capital, and this funding can be rolled over for up to three years to allow major projects to be addressed.

Sickness Absence

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many working days were lost due to illness in his Department in (a) 2002 and (b) each of the preceding five years.

Stephen Twigg: The overall sickness absence rate in the Department for Education and Skills for 2001 was 8.4 days per staff year.
	The overall sickness absence rate in the former Department for Education and Employment for each of the years from 2000 to 1997 was:
	2000—11.3 days per staff year
	1999—11.0 days per staff year
	1998—11.6 days per staff year
	1997—12.6 days per staff year.
	The figures are taken from the report 'Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service', published annually by the Cabinet Office. The figures for 2002 will be announced in due course.
	My Department is committed to managing sickness absence effectively and to maintaining its efforts to try and meet the 2003 target for reduced sickness absence as set out in its Service Delivery Agreement.

Study Support

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the Answers to the hon. Members for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) and for Amber Valley (Judy Mallaber) of 18 December 2002, Official Report, column 832W, when he expects to announce detailed plans for the funding of study support activities.

Ivan Lewis: We announced at the end of December our plans for increased total spending on the main study support programmes over the next three years: £85m in 2003–04; £115m in 2004–05; and £159m in 2005–06. The bulk of this money will go to schools and local education authorities, with additional funds targeted on Excellence in Cities areas, and in support of our national Key Stage 3 strategy to raise standards in the early secondary years. We will also provide extra funding to expand the Playing for Success scheme with more study support centres; and funding for national organisations which provide advice, training and project support to those delivering study support activities. We will announce further details in due course.

Teachers

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total cost was to (a) local government, (b) central Government and (c) both local and central Government of employing (i) teachers, (ii) deputy head teachers, (iii) head teachers and (iv) all teachers in each year since 1997.

David Miliband: Expenditure by local education authorities in England on teaching staff in each year since 1997 was as follows.
	
		Expenditure on teaching staff—England, 1997–98 to 2000–01
		
			  Expenditure (£ million in cash terms) 
		
		
			 1997–98 9,859 
			 1998–99 10,249 
			 1999–2000 12,236 
			 2000–01 13,214 
		
	
	Employment costs for teachers at maintained schools are not met directly by central Government but by the LEAs and schools which employ them. No figures are held centrally on the breakdown of these costs between heads, deputies and other teachers.

Teaching Assistants

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his definition is of a High Level Teaching Assistant; and what the (a) minimum qualification levels, (b) training requirements and (c) salary scales are.

David Miliband: The term "higher-level teaching assistant" has been used in my Department's recent consultation document "Developing the role of support staff" to describe individuals without Qualified Teacher Status who could assist classroom teachers with higher-level tasks directly associated with teaching and learning. Details of their training and qualifications will be developed following the end of the consultation period on 22 January 2003, but the consultation document proposes that they should be trained to a level between that of the existing NVQ level 3 qualification for teaching assistants and the level of Qualified Teacher Status. Decisions about pay for all school support staff are made at a local level by schools and LEAs but the consultation document also indicates that my officials will work with local government employers and support staff unions to ensure that greater responsibilities are reflected in pay.

Top-up Fees

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the introduction of university top-up fees.

Margaret Hodge: My right hon. Friend meets the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from time to time in the course of normal business. There have also been specific discussions during the higher education review, including on the issue of top-up fees.

Unused School Rooms

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what incentives he gives to local education authorities to find alternative uses for unused rooms in schools.

David Miliband: holding answer 5 December 2002
	Through the Asset Management Planning process, we encourage local education authorities and schools to make best value use of school buildings. For example, as part of the development of Asset Management Plans, we are currently surveying all school buildings to give schools and authorities up-to-date information on their school buildings, including the split of space between teaching and non-teaching areas and space not used directly for education. We also plan shortly to advise all headteacher and governing bodies on best practice in estate management. We encourage schools and authorities to develop community use of school buildings.

Youth Crime

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he is taking to educate young people about the penalties for shop theft.

David Miliband: Pupils learn about the penalties of crime as part of Citizenship education—now a statutory subject in secondary schools—and as part of the national framework for Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship in primary schools. Detailed guidance sent to all schools by the QCA includes specific units to help teachers to develop pupils' understanding of issues of crime, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice system. For example, the unit 'Respect for property' helps pupils in KS 1 and 2 (age 5–10) to discuss and learn about the consequences of crime and the concept of taking responsibility for property in the community. In another unit 'Crime' pupils in KS3 (age 11–14) build on what they have learned in primary schools to explore how crime affects young people, victims of crime and their communities.

Youth Crime

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he last met the Home Secretary to discuss crimes by schoolchildren.

Stephen Twigg: My right hon. Friend has regular meetings with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary about this and other relevant issues.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Private Letting

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what legal advice, in addition to that provided by the Citizens Advice Bureaux, is available to tenants whose landlord breaches the letting agreement.

Tony McNulty: Tenants can seek legal advice from a solicitor in all legal matters. Advice is also available from community law services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, Law Centres, or the local authority's housing advice centre.

Private Letting

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will establish an official body responsible for tenants' deposits and able to act as an authoritative third party in private letting contracts.

Tony McNulty: Currently the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to intervene in the contractual relationship between private landlords and their tenants by legislating for a third party to intervene and adjudicate in their disputes. However, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has issued a consultation paper "Tenancy money: probity and protection", in which views were requested on whether to move to a mandatory system for the protection of tenancy deposits; and, if so, what arrangements should provide for it. The deadline for responses is 28 February. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will consider whether and how to legislate in the light of responses received.

Audit Commission

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many PSA targets the Audit Commission has.

Christopher Leslie: The Audit Commission has no PSA targets. However, the work of the Commission contributes to the achievement of my Department's target of improving the delivery and value for money of local services.

Audit Commission

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether people who work for the Audit Commission are required to declare other jobs.

Christopher Leslie: The Audit Commission's code of conduct requires employees to obtain prior approval for external work for which they will be paid, for other work which they will undertake in the Audit Commission's time or which is connected with their work for the Commission.

Consultation Exercises

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which of the non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department (a) hold public meetings, (b) conduct public consultation exercises, (c) conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests, (d) publish a register of members' interests, (e) publish agendas for meetings and (f) publish the minutes of meetings; and whether in each case this is a statutory requirement.

Christopher Leslie: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister sponsors a range of executive, advisory or tribunal non-departmental public bodies. Of these:
	(a) the Audit Commission, English Partnerships, Housing Action Trusts, the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions and the Rent Assessment Panels hold public meetings. This is a statutory requirement for the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions and the Rent Assessment Panels;
	(b) the Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils, Audit Commission, English Partnerships, Housing Action Trusts, Housing Corporation, the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions and the Standards Board for England conduct public consultation exercises. This is a statutory requirement for the Audit Commission in some cases, the Housing Action Trusts and the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions;
	(c) the Audit Commission, English Partnerships, Housing Corporation and the Rent Assessment Panels conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests. This is a statutory requirement for the Audit Commission in some cases;
	(d) the Community Forum, English Partnerships, Housing Action Trusts, Housing Corporation, Parliamentary Boundary Commissions, Rent Assessment Panels and the Standards Board for England publish aregister of members' interests. In addition the Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils, Audit Commission, Building Regulations Advisory Committee and the Property Advisory Group also keep a register which can be made available on request. This is not a statutory requirement for any of these NDPBs;
	(e) Housing Action Trusts and the Housing Corporation publish agendas for meetings, expect where items may be of a confidential nature. This is not a statutory requirement;
	(f) Housing Action Trusts publish minutes of meetings except for confidential items. This is not a statutory requirement.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cousins: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the distribution of his Office's whole-time equivalent staff including the staff in agencies and other bodies reporting to him was in each Government office region and nation of the UK (a) in 1996 and (b) at the most recent available period.

Christopher Leslie: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was established following machinery of Government changes in May 2002. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 15 January 2003, Official Report, column 609W, which sets out the number of staff for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's predecessors bodies.

English House Condition Survey

Joan Walley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will publish the results of the 2001 English House Condition Survey.

Tony McNulty: The report is currently being drafted with an aim to being published in spring 2003.

Fire Deaths

Adam Price: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many deaths there were due to fires in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years between (a) 10.00 pm and 6.00 am, (b) 6.00 am and 2.00 pm and (c) 2.00 pm and 10.00 pm.

Nick Raynsford: The latest data for the information requested on the number of deaths due to fires in the United Kingdom broken down by the times requested are in the following tables.
	These data indicate the importance of fire prevention. The Government believe that each household should have a properly considered escape plan and working smoke alarms; this is key to reducing deaths and injuries while people sleep.
	
		Primary fires(21) and deaths, UK, 1997–2001
		
			  Yearly totals  
			  Number  
			  Fires Deaths Death rate per 1,000 fires 
		
		
			 1997 200,559 723 3.6 
			 1998 199,928 656 3.3 
			 1999 218,404 623 2.9 
			 2000(23) 219,535 623 2.8 
			 2000(24) — (595) — 
			 2001(23) 228,136 627 2.7 
			 2001(24) — (606) — 
		
	
	
		Emergency call received between 10 pm and 6 am(22)
		
			  Number Proportion of yearly total (Percentage)  
			  Fires Deaths Fires Deaths Death rate per 1,000 fires 
		
		
			 1997 58,855 283 29 39 4.8 
			 1998 60,089 246 30 38 4.1 
			 1999 67,957 207 31 33 3.0 
			 2000(23) 70,076 237 32 38 3.4 
			 2000(24) — — — — — 
			 2001(23) 73,753 226 32 36 3.1 
			 2001(24) — — — — — 
		
	
	
		Emergency call received between 2 pm and 10 pm(22)
		
			  Number Proportion of yearly total (Percentage)  
			  Fires Deaths Fires Deaths Death rate per 1,000 fires 
		
		
			 1997 92,455 205 46 28 2.2 
			 1998 92,519 192 46 29 2.1 
			 1999 101,109 199 46 32 2.0 
			 2000(23) 101,616 191 46 31 1.9 
			 2000(24) — — — — — 
			 2001(23) 105,396 215 46 34 2.0 
			 2001(24) — — — — — 
		
	
	(21) A primary fire is any fire in a building or vehicle and/or a fire which involved casualties or rescues.
	(22) The time of the fire is denoted as the time the emergency call was received by the local authority fire brigade.
	(23) Provisional
	(24) The 2000 and 2001 data for fatalities are estimated to account for the revisions as later information is received. Calculations are based on the provisional total of deaths.

Historic Environment Scheme

Joan Walley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the progress of the Historic Environment Scheme Notification within the European Community.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	I understand from the Department for Trade and Industry that the United Kingdom responded in November 2002 to the European Commission's most recent request for information on the various heritage aid schemes. The Commission is still considering this response. The DTI believes the Commission has been given sufficient information to reach an early decision. Officials from the United Kingdom Permanent Representation are in contact with the relevant desk officer in the Commission and are monitoring progress.

Local Government Finance

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average grant entitlement increase awarded to county councils for the forthcoming financial year has been; and what the percentage increase provided for Essex was.

Nick Raynsford: The Government's proposals for the funding of local authority revenue expenditure, as set out in the provisional local government finance settlement 2003–04 announced on 5 December 2002, provide for an average formula grant increase for county councils of 5.7per cent. The increase for Essex is 3.7per cent.

Local Government Finance

Teddy Taylor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what average domestic rates were paid to local councils in the most recent annual period for which figures are available; and what the average amount of rates paid in Essex was in the same period.

Christopher Leslie: The average council tax in England in 2002–03 for a Band D dwelling (occupied by two or more adults) is £976.
	The average council tax in Essex (including Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock) in 2002–03 for a Band D dwelling (occupied by two or more adults) is £965.

Local Government Finance (London)

Harry Cohen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list for (a) London Borough of Waltham Forest, (b) London Borough of Redbridge and (c) London boroughs as a whole (i) the amount of grant received in the 2002–03 settlement and what percentage this was of the overall national settlement; and (ii) the amount of grant received in the 2003–04 settlement and what percentage this is of the overall national settlement.

Nick Raynsford: The table shows the amount of Revenue Support Grant, nationally redistributed non-domestic rates and principal formula Police Grant received in 2002–03, and the proposed amount for 2003–04. The House will have the opportunity to debate the final amounts for 2003–04 in due course.
	
		
			   2002–03  2003–04  
			  £ million Percentage of total £ million Percentage of total 
		
		
			 Waltham Forest 203.903 0.5 216.753 0.5 
			 Redbridge 175.930 0.4 190.573 0.4 
			 London boroughs 6,228.817 15.4 6,728.282 15.3 
			 England 40,323.132 100.0 43,892.049 100.0

Local Government Finance (London)

Harry Cohen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which London local authorities have received the floor level of grant in the recent local authorities financial settlement; and if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying the decision in each case.

Nick Raynsford: The following authorities had the minimum 3.5 per cent. like-for-like increase in grant (excluding capital adjustments) in the provisional settlement: Barnet, Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Havering, Kensington and Chelsea, Richmond-upon-Thames, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.
	The principal reasons for these outcomes are substantial losses of population in many boroughs arising from the 2001 Census and relative reductions in wage levels in the outer eastern boroughs affecting their area cost adjustment. There are many other factors affecting these authorities, both positively and negatively.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which of the non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department (a) have a statutory base, (b) publish their advice to Government, (c) publish an annual report and (d) lay an annual report before Parliament; and whether this is a statutory requirement in each case.

Christopher Leslie: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister sponsors a range of executive, advisory and tribunal non-departmental public bodies. Of these:
	(a) the Audit Commission, Building Regulations Advisory Committee, English Partnerships, Housing Action Trusts, Housing Corporation, the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions, the Rent Assessment Panels and the Standards Board for England have a statutory base;
	(b) the Audit Commission, Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils, Advisory Panel on Standards in the Planning Inspectorate and the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions publish their advice to Government. This is a statutory requirement for the Audit Commission and the Parliamentary Boundary Commissions;
	(c) All NDPBs sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister publish an annual report. This is a statutory requirement for the Audit Commission, English Partnerships, Housing Corporation and the Standards Board for England;
	(d) the Audit Commission, English Partnerships, Housing Action Trusts, Housing Corporation and the Standards Board for England lay their annual report before Parliament as a statutory requirement.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which of his Department's non-departmental public bodies the Government are required to (a) consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) publish their response to advice from.

Christopher Leslie: The Government consults with relevant NDPBs prior to legislative proposals and publishes their response to any advice given by NDPBs as appropriate.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

Eric Pickles: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department have a statutory base; which of those bodies (a) admit members of the public to all board and committee meetings and (b) hold open meetings for the public; and whether in each case this is a statutory requirement.

Christopher Leslie: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister sponsors the following executive non-departmental public bodies; Audit Commission, English Partnerships, Housing Action Trusts, Housing Corporation and Standards Board for England, all of which have a statutory base. Of these (a) Housing Action Trusts admit members of the public to all board and committee meetings except where items are of a confidential nature and (b) Housing Action Trusts, Audit Commission and English Partnerships hold open meetings for the public. These are not statutory requirements for any of these bodies.

Regional Assemblies

Julian Lewis: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many representations he has received from electors living in (a) the south-east region, (b) Hampshire and (c) the New Forest East constituency in favour of the establishment of an elected regional assembly for the south-east.

Nick Raynsford: "Your Region, Your Choice", the White Paper on Regional Governance, was not a consultation exercise, except on the issue of stakeholder involvement with elected regional assemblies. It therefore did not invite views either for or against the principle of establishing assemblies. Representations in response to the White Paper have been received by letter and by e-mail. It is not possible to identify the region, county or constituency of origin of many of the e-mailed responses. However, between the dates of 9 May 2002, when the White Paper was published, and 30 November 2002, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recorded 18 respondents from the south-east who were in favour of an elected regional assembly in the region, of whom two were from Hampshire. Our analysis of responses did not record respondents' parliamentary constituencies.

Social Housing (Solar Heating)

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with housing associations about developing solar heating and photovoltaic applications for social housing; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Responsibility for photovoltaic solar heating development and deployment programmes for which housing associations can apply are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
	The Housing Corporation promotes the sustainability of social housing owned by housing associations through its Regulatory Code. Housing associations are expected to demonstrate a commitment to effective protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources. The Housing Corporation is funding a "Generating Solar Homes" project, through its Innovation and Good Practice programme, to encourage housing associations' active involvement in the Government's photovoltaic programme.

South-east Region

Norman Baker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the advantages of sub-dividing the south-east region so that Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey comprise one new region.

Christopher Leslie: The current regional boundaries are now the most widely accepted and used regional boundaries. A large number of regional bodies, including the Government Offices, Regional Development Agencies and other parts of Central Government, operate to these boundaries, and all regions now have recognised voluntary regional chambers. The current regions are of a sufficient spatial and demographic size to support the work of these organisations.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister believes that any debate on regional boundaries would generate no obvious prospect that more practicable or more widely acceptable boundaries would result.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcohol (Minors)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of incidents of minors purchasing alcoholic beverages (a) in Lancashire and (b) in the UK in the last 12 months.

John Denham: The number of incidents of minors purchasing alcoholic beverages in Lancaster, or in the UK as a whole, is not collected centrally. However, some information is available from the Department of Health's annual, nationally representative school survey looking at smoking, drinking and drug use among young people aged 11 to 15 years old in England. Questions were last asked about purchasing alcohol in the 2000 survey. The results are shown in the table. All information relates to England. Estimates for Lancashire are not available.
	
		Where children usually buy alcohol
		
			 Percentages 11 to 15 year olds 
		
		
			 In a pub or bar 9 
			 In a club or disco 7 
			 From an off-licence 17 
			 From a shop or supermarket 9 
			 From a friend or relative 17 
			 From someone else 8 
			 I never by alcohol 46 
			 Base N (all pupils who drink now) 3,952 
		
	
	Note:
	Percentages total more than 100 because pupils could give more than one answer.
	Source:
	Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England in 2000.
	The Home Office Court Proceedings Database does contain statistics on the number of prosecutions and convictions for offences of buying and selling intoxicating liquor to underage. However, due to the small numbers of incidents proceeded against, it would not give an accurate picture of minors purchasing alcoholic beverages.

Animal Experiments

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government intend to implement the recommendations of the House of Lords report on the use of animals in scientific procedures.

Bob Ainsworth: The Government's response to the report of the House of Lords Select Committee on animals in scientific procedures was published on 20 January 2003 (Cm 5729). Copies have been placed in the Library.
	The Government welcome the Select Committee's report and notes in particular, and endorses, its finding that animal experiments are currently necessary to develop human and veterinary medicines and to protect humans and the environment. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the fullest possible application of the 3Rs—the refinement of scientific procedures, the reduction in numbers of animals used and their replacement wherever possible—and to greater openness regarding the use of animals in scientific procedures, subject to safeguards for personal and confidential information. We have also accepted that the administrative burden imposed by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 must be kept to a minimum without compromising the welfare of the animals used. We will pursue these issues and a number of other actions arising from our response to the Select Committee's report over the coming months.

Animal Experiments

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy that a welfare assessment of new strains of animals, including genetically modified ones, must be made as a matter of course.

Bob Ainsworth: It has long been policy to assess and satisfy the welfare needs of animals bred and used under the licensing controls of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. All such animals have to be housed and cared for according to standards set out in published codes of practice. There is not at present a practical and universally accepted assessment system as regards genetically modified animals, but discussions are progressing with funding bodies to try to develop one that can be widely applied.

Asylum Seekers

Archie Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for (a) asylum and (b) naturalisation were received by the Home Office in each year since 1997; and how many are still outstanding for each year.

Beverley Hughes: The table shows the number of applications for asylum in the United Kingdom which have been lodged since 1997.
	
		
			 Year Applications received (25),(26) 
		
		
			 1997 32,500 
			 1998 46,015 
			 1999 71,160 
			 2000 80,315 
			 2001(27) 71,700 
			 Jan-Sept 2002(27) 62,480 
		
	
	(25) Figures rounded to the nearest five.
	(26) May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between January
	1999 and March 2000.
	(27) Provisional figures.
	Statistics on the total number of applications for British citizenship received, in 1997 to 2001, the latest available, are given in the table.
	
		
			 Year Applications received 
		
		
			 1997 66,000 
			 1998 68,030 
			 1999 67,400 
			 2000 62,4.75 
			 2001 109,005 
		
	
	Information on the number of asylum applications lodged in each year since 1997 which are still outstanding is unavailable and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.
	At the end of September 2002, there were a total of 37,200 asylum cases awaiting an initial decision, including work in progress. This figure relates to the number of cases i.e. the number of principal applicants. On the same date, there were an estimated 47,000 appeals lodged with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) that had not yet been sent to the Immigration Appellate Authority. This figure includes non-asylum appeals.
	Information on the number of applications for British citizenship outstanding for each year is not available.
	Information on asylum and citizenship is available from the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate web site at http://www. homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

Asylum Seekers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers, broken down by year of initial application, are in each stage of the process towards admission or deportation.

Beverley Hughes: Information on the number of asylum applications outstanding by year of application is unavailable and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.
	The number of asylum cases awaiting an initial decision has been reduced from a peak of 120,000 to 37,200 at the end of September 2002. This includes work in progress and relates to the number of cases i.e. the number of principal applicants. On the same date, there were an estimated 47,000 appeals lodged with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) that had not yet been sent to the Immigration Appellate Authority. This figure includes non-asylum appeals.
	Information on the number of cases outstanding in other divisions of IND is not available. Information on the number of asylum cases awaiting an initial decision is published quarterly on the Home Office website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html

Capita Group

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the contracts that have been awarded to the Capita Group by his Department.

David Blunkett: The list of contracts awarded to the Capita Group by the Home Department since 1997 is as follows:
	
		
			  Contract 
		
		
			 Capita(28) Designing and Managing Building Projects 
			 Capita EC Environment/Space Planning 
			 Capita Business Service Recruitment of General Managers 
			 Capita Training Conferences and Training 
			 Capita Business Service Consultancy Support 
			 Capita Business Service Productions of Purchase Manual Efficiency Review 
			 Capita Business Service Her Majesty's prison Blakenhurst Bid Team 
			 Capita Business Service Quantum Project 
			 Capita Criminal Records Bureau 
			 Capita Recruitment 
			 Capita Recruitment 
			 Capita Management Recruitment Scheme 
			 Capita Civil Service Short Answer Test 
			 Capita(28) Finance related work—Central Police Training and Development Authority 
			 Capita(28) Provision of Human Resources Staff 
			 Capita Group Contract Multi-Disciplinary Term Commission 
		
	
	(28) Contracts for which Capita was not the prime contractor

Christmas Expenses

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many departmental Christmas cards he and his Ministers intend to send in 2002; how much these cards will cost (a) to buy, (b) to post and (c) in staff time to sign, address and place in envelopes; and if she will place in the Library a sample copy of the official Christmas card she has sent this year.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 19 December 2002
	A total of 971 cards have been sent by Home Office Ministers at an approximate cost of 68p each. An approximate £211 was spent on postage with 21 hours of staff time involved in processing. A copy of the official Christmas card has been forwarded to the Library.
	All expenditure incurred in the purchase and despatch of official Christmas cards is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting.

Christmas Expenses

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much will be spent on (a) entertaining, (b) Christmas decorations and (c) other festive activities this Christmas season by his Department and government agencies answerable to his Department; and of this sum how much will be spent in Ministers' (i) private offices and (ii) official residences.

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 19 December 2002
	A breakdown of expenditure as requested could be supplied only at disproportionate costs.
	However, any expenditure incurred on decorations, entertainment and any other festive activities is strictly for official purposes only, and is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting.

Community Support Officers

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what Government support is available to police authorities that are considering introducing community support officers or accredited community safety organisations;
	(2)  how many accredited community safety organisations have been established in England and Wales, broken down by local authority area.

John Denham: On 23 September 2002 my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, announced a fund of £19 million for the recruitment of more than 1,000 community support officers (CSOs) in England and Wales this financial year. All 27 forces who made bids for this funding were successful. We are committed to the development of CSOs throughout England and Wales and continue to work with all interested parties to drive forward this important strand of the police reform programme. General guidance on issues relating to CSOs, including the powers available to these officers, was placed on the police reform website on 2 December last year.
	Police forces who recruit CSOs under this year's funding initiative will receive full salary and direct on costs from the Home Office during the next financial year and substantial assistance for the following two years. We are also planning to invite all forces to bid for a share of a further tranche of CSO funding available in the next financial year as the next step towards reaching our target of 4,000 CSOs by the end of 2005.
	Under Section 40 of the Police Reform Act 2002, the Chief Officer of any police force may establish a community safety accreditation scheme in their force area for the purpose of accrediting suitable individuals with certain low level police powers to deal with anti-social behaviour and environmental problems in the local communities in which they work.
	No accreditation schemes have been established yet but we have commenced discussions with individual forces and the Association of Chief Police Officers to take this forward.

Coquelles Refugee Centre

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has received on the (a) establishment and (b) capacity of the residential refugee centre in Coquelles, France.

Beverley Hughes: There is no residential refugee centre in Coquelles. A detention centre with 80 places was opened in Coquelles on 2 January 2003. This is to hold people who have already been through French proceedings and are in the process of being removed. This expansion in capacity has been planned since June 2002. It forms part of French improvements to their asylum and immigration procedures, which we welcome.

Correspondence

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the correspondence from the hon. Member for Nottingham, North of 29 May, 9 September and 6 November on Mr. A. Cobbinah, ref. 18289/2.

Beverley Hughes: I wrote to my hon. Friend on 16 January 2003.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 11 November from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Miss H. U. Abdi.

David Blunkett: I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 20 January 2003.

Correspondence

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Bolton, South-East will receive responses to his letters of 6 June, 6 August, 4 October, 4 November and 4 December 2002 regarding the case of Mr.Siraj Ismail Patel (HO ref P386124).

Beverley Hughes: holding answer 14 January 2003
	I wrote to my hon. Friend on 16 January 2003.

Criminal Records Bureau

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to measure (a) the effects that the Criminal Records Bureau has had on local volunteer development agencies and (b) costs caused by delays.

Hilary Benn: From the outset of work on the development of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), we have been anxious to involve the voluntary sector in the process in order to ensure that the arrangements were appropriate to the needs and circumstances of those within the sector. In order to take this further, now that the CRB is operational, we have established a Voluntary and Community Sector Working Group to provide a specific forum for discussion between the sector and the CRB. The Group has already begun to address issues identified by the sector, including ensuring that there are appropriate and cost-effective arrangements to access the Disclosure service.
	The Criminal Records Bureau has a settled policy on the payment of compensation, and, where appropriate, claims for compensation are resolved by an ex gratia payment. Such payments will not be made as a result of delays in processing applications. There must be an element of maladministration in dealing with an application. Ex gratia payments will be made only to applicants and not to employers, potential employers or others.

Criminal Records Bureau

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been assessed by the Criminal Records Bureau; and how many applications are pending.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 7 January 2003
	Since 11 March 2002 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has received 1,164,784 disclosure applications and has issued over 938,981 disclosures. Many of the total number of applications outstanding, currently 225,803, were returned to applicants to provide missing information. Over the last six full weeks before Christmas the CRB has been averaging around 45,000 dDisclosures per week, which is over double the weekly output issued by the police under the previous arrangements.

Criminal Records Bureau

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the proportion of Criminal Record Bureau checks (a) carried out and (b) awaiting completion, broken down into the five most frequently active areas.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 7 January 2003
	The information is not available in the form requested as there are no information technology (IT) procedures at present to extract this data from the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) database. It is expected that this capacity will become available in future IT upgrades to the CRB computer system. Since 11 March 2002 the Criminal Records Bureau has received 1,164,784 disclosure applications and has issued over 938,981 disclosures. Over the last six full weeks before Christmas the CRB has been averaging around 45,000 disclosures per week, which is over double the weekly output issued by the police under the previous arrangements. Approximately, 80 per cent. of applications for standard disclosures are now being issued within three weeks and 70 per cent. of applications for enhanced disclosures within six weeks.

Criminal Records Bureau

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will make a statement about the Criminal Record Bureau's organisational preparedness to introduce basic disclosure;
	(2)  what recommendations have been presented to him by Patrick Carter in his interim report into Criminal Records Bureau checks; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library;
	(3)  when he expects to publish the final report by Patrick Carter into the Criminal Records Bureau;
	(4)  when he will publish the interim report from Patrick Carter regarding the performance of (a) Capita and (b) the Criminal Records Bureau.

Hilary Benn: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary appointed Patrick Carter to lead a team of three to conduct an independent review of the Criminal Records Bureau so as to identify the longer-term measures needed to ensure that the Bureau is able to meet the demand for Disclosures. The team provided some initial oral feedback to Ministers in September and reported their final conclusions and recommendations at the end of the year. These took the form of advice to Ministers, including advice on matters that are commercially confidential; as such they are not in a form suitable for publication. We shall be considering the review team's findings and recommendations very carefully and are minded to publish a summary document, together with the Government's response, in due course. A judgment will be reached on Basic Disclosures in the light of the team's findings.

Criminal Records Bureau

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment (a) his Department and (b) the Criminal Records Bureau have made of the gaps in coverage by umbrella registered bodies.

Hilary Benn: The Criminal Records Bureau maintains a record of umbrella registered bodies by geographical area which shows that there are good numbers of such bodies in each, with the exception of mid and north Wales where numbers are lower. Up to 10 January, a total of 1,199 bodies had so registered, included 520 who are prepared to act as "open" umbrella—i.e., countersign applications at the request of others outside their own circle or sector (but, in some cases, subject to a geographical restriction stated by the umbrella body on registration). Organisations seeking the services of an umbrella body are not restricted to using those in their own area. Any organisation needing to find an umbrella body should access the Bureau's website www.disclosure.gov.uk which has a search facility, or contact the CRB direct on 0870 90 90 90 811.

Criminal Records Bureau Checks

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if he will estimate how many persons caring for (a) children and (b) vulnerable adults will not have Criminal Records Bureau checks.
	(2)  when his Department will publish guidance to registered bodies about the postponement of Criminal Records Bureau checks as set out in the announcement of 1 November 2002.
	(3)  if he will estimate how many (a) children, and (b) vulnerable adults will be cared for by adults who had not received a Criminal Records Bureau check following the announcement of 1November 2002.
	(4)  how many (a) nurses supplied by nurses agencies and (b) staff supplied by domiciliary care agencies he estimates will no longer have to have Criminal Records Bureau checks.
	(5)  how many care home staff who would have required Criminal Records Bureau checks before 1 April have had checks postponed until (a) 31 March and (b) 2004.
	(6)  when he expects the Criminal Records Bureau will be able to cope with the demand associated with implementing the protection of vulnerable adults list.

Hilary Benn: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) on 4 November 2002, Official Report, column 99W, in the light of a review of the projected likely capacity of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) against projected demand for its service, it has been necessary to take temporary measures not to increase the level of demand by postponing certain requirements for mandatory checks.
	In care homes for adults, only providers and managers were subject to checks prior to 1 April 2002. An estimated 100,000 new staff per year will continue to be subject to CRB checks, as will providers and managers. But an estimated 300,000 staff who were already in post on 1 April and who have not already applied for checks will not need to be checked for the time being. These checks will now be required during the course of 2004.
	Both new and existing nurses supplied by nurses agencies, and staff supplied by domiciliary care agencies, will also not need to be checked for the time being. A requirement for all such personnel to be checked in the current financial year would have entailed up to an estimated 200,000 in each group.
	Thereafter, it is estimated that some 50,000 staff supplied by nurses agencies and 60,000 staff supplied by domiciliary care agencies would have needed to be checked each year. Nurses supplied as new staff to establishments where requirements for mandatory checks are in force (including adult care homes and children's homes) will continue to be subject to checks. So will providers and managers of nurses agencies and domiciliary care agencies.
	Finally, school governors will also not be required to have CRB checks for the time being. Such checks would have generated an estimated 70,000—90,000 applications per year.
	We remain firmly committed to introducing requirements for CRB checks, and to the implementation of the protection of vulnerable adults list, at the earliest opportunity.
	The CRB issued guidance to all registered bodies detailing these changes on 4 November 2002; the guidance is available on the CRB's disclosure website at 222.disclosure.gov.uk. The Department for Education and Skills also issued guidance to Local Education Authorities on 29 November (available on www. teachernet.gov.uk).

Criminal Records Bureau Checks

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to ensure that prison service staff who come into contact with juvenile offenders in adult prisons have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Hilary Benn: The Prison Service has arrangements in place instructing governors to undertake a check on all those who have regular contact with children under 18 years of age using the Criminal Records Bureau.
	The arrangements apply to all staff, fee-paid, contractors, agency staff, researchers/research students, volunteers and project workers who will come into regular contact with children and those who supervise or manage such staff.

Drug Addicts

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the relative effectiveness of (a) community specialist services and (b) residential rehabilitation for drug addicts.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 17 December 2002
	I have been asked to reply.
	The diagnostic criteria for entry into different types of drug treatment are not directly comparable. The needs of individuals and the background to their substance misuse will have an effect on the type of treatment most appropriate for them. Comparisons between the relative effectiveness of the two types of treatment are therefore complex and potentially misleading. The National Treatment Outcome Research Study, funded by the Department, reported that around half, or 47 per cent., of drug users who have gone through residential programmes and more than a third, or 35 per cent., of those from methadone programmes are still abstinent from opiates at four to five years.

Drug Treatment and Testing Orders

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Drug Treatment and Testing Orders have been made by the courts; how many have been breached; how many have been revoked; and how many revocations have resulted in a custodial sentence.

Bob Ainsworth: 10,070 Drug Treatment and Testing Orders were made during the period 1 October 2000 to 30 November 2002. Of these, 4,330 were revoked, including 226 for good progress. Figures on breach are currently available only for the period 1 November 2001 to 30 April 2002. During this time, 2;175 breach proceedings were instigated; and in about 40 per cent. of these cases, the order was revoked. Information as to re-sentencing in respect of revoked orders is not available.

Female Prisoners

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the proportion of female prisoners who will be (a) offenders in respect of cannabis, (b) class A drug offenders and (c) housed in hospital wings in each of the next five years.

Hilary Benn: There are no estimates of the proportion of female prisoners who will be (a) offenders in respect of cannabis, (b) class A drug offenders and (c) housed in hospital wings in each of the next five years.
	At the end of October 2002, the female sentenced population for drugs offences was 1,314 (39 per cent. of the total sentenced female population), and the female remand population for drugs offences was 179 (18 per cent. of the total remand female population).
	The total number of women prisoners recorded by establishments as having been admitted to prison health care centres between June and September 2002, the last quarter for which statistics are available, was 1,225.

Female Prisoners

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of female prisoners are mothers to children aged under 10 years.

Hilary Benn: There is no routinely collected data on the proportion of female prisoners who have dependent children, irrespective of age group. However, a Home Office study of a large sample of imprisoned women and mothers, published in 1997, found that 60 per cent. of female prisoners, sentenced and unsentenced, had dependent children under the age of 18. (There were no research findings relating specifically to children under 10). Another smaller, but more recent, study of women prisoners and their work in custody, published in 2000, found broadly similar results (out of a sample of 567 sentenced women, 66 per cent. had dependent children under the age of 18).

Female Prisoners

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mothers with responsibility for children were serving sentences in prisons in England and Wales for the period January 1992 to December 2002, broken down by prison and what estimate he has made of the numbers of mothers with children who will be serving sentences in prisons in England and Wales for the period January 2003 to December 2013.

Hilary Benn: There is no routinely collected data on the number or proportion of female prisoners who have dependent children (nor are there any projections of such numbers for future years). However, a Home Office study of a large sample of imprisoned women and mothers, published in 1997, found that 60 per cent. of female prisoners had dependent children under the age of 18. Another smaller but more recent study of women prisoners and their work in custody, published in 2000, found broadly similar results (out of a sample of 567 sentenced women, 66 per cent had dependent children under the age of 18).

Female Prisoners

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken by his Department to ensure a decrease in the numbers of mothers with children serving sentences in prisons in England and Wales.

Hilary Benn: The increase in the female prison population, and the wider consequences of this in terms of disrupting families and the lives of children, supports the need to respond specifically to the particular needs and characteristics of women offenders if there is to be a reduction in offending by women and the numbers ending up in custody with child-care responsibilities.
	We are taking forward the 'Women's Offending Reduction Programme' over the next three years to respond to the range of factors that have an impact on why women offend, and encourages joint working between departments, agencies and other organisations to tackle those factors. A primary focus will be on improving community-based interventions that are better tailored to the needs of women. Childcare facilities in the community, is one of the issues being looked at. Greater use of such interventions will be encouraged to ensure that custody is only used for women offenders who really need to be there.

Female Prisoners

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mothers in prisons in England and Wales have responsibility for babies (a) under nine months old and (b) under 18 months old.

Hilary Benn: On 6 January 2003, there were 34 mothers in Prison Service mother and baby units with babies under nine months old and 16 mothers with babies between nine and 18 months old.

Female Prisoners

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners who were addicts of (a) heroin and (b) cocaine continued their habits after serving their sentences in each of the last five years; and what proportion died from drugs misuse in the 12 month period after leaving prison.

Hilary Benn: There is no routinely collected data on the proportion of female prisoners who were addicts of heroin or cocaine and who continued their habit after their sentences. However, the Home Office has commissioned the Office for National Statistics to examine the extent and causes of drug-related mortality among prisoners recently released from prison in England and Wales. The findings, which are due to be published later this quarter, will examine mortality rates among a sample of the general ex-prisoner population (though mainly not differentiating between males and females).

Female Prisoners

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce reforms to assist women prisoners through (a) improved accommodation and (b) delaying sentencing orders.

Hilary Benn: Helping women leaving prison to find appropriate accommodation is one of the key factors in effective resettlement, and we are continuing to improve the range of housing advice available in women's prisons, including prisoner-led schemes. Alongside employment, improving accommodation outcomes for released prisoners forms part of the Prison Service's Custody to Work initiative, in which we are investing £14.5 million a year from April 2003. A proportion of this will be allocated shortly to the women's estate and will be available to support the further development of housing advice services. We have no plans to allow courts generally to defer commencement of sentences, but the new sentence of intermittent custody planned in the Criminal Justice Bill will enable offenders to maintain activities, such as child care, while serving their prison time during certain parts of the week. Additionally, although intermittent custody begins immediately it is imposed by the court, the court can defer the first custodial period. This would enable the offender to make child care arrangements.

Female Prisoners

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the most recent per capita figures are for the use of neuroleptic drugs in each women's prison; and what percentage of prisoners in each women's prison are users, at least weekly, of (a) tranquillisers and (b) pain killers.

Hilary Benn: This information is not available in the form requested. A survey of mental ill health in the prison population of England and Wales, undertaken in 1997 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), showed that 26 per cent. of women prisoners were taking painkillers, 16 per cent. hypnotic and anxiolytic medication and 10 per cent. anti-psychotic medication.

Immigration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications were received for asylum in each quarter of the last five years; how many failed; and how many of those who failed (a) have left or been removed, (b) have been granted leave to remain, (c) remain in the legal process and (d) have disappeared.

Beverley Hughes: The table shows the number of applications for asylum in the United Kingdom lodged between Quarter 4 1997 and Quarter 3 2002, and initial decisions made in the same periods. However, data on initial decisions are independent of applications data, and do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period.
	
		Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions(29),(30) -- Number of principal applicants
		
			   Initial decisions(31),(32)  
			Cases considered under normal procedures(33)  Backlog clearance excercise(34) 
			 Quarter Total applications(35) Total Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum(32) Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave Refusals Granted exceptional leave under backlog criteria(36) Refused on non-compliance grounds under backlog criteria(37) 
		
		
			 1997 Q4 8,455 8,380 1 535 720 6,125 — — 
			 1998 Q1 8,710 9,170 1,485 1,045 6,640 — — 
			 1998 Q2 9,820 7,555 1,345 880 5,325 — — 
			 1998 Q3 13,090 8,015 1,420 1,270 5,320 — — 
			 1998 Q4 14,400 6,835 1,095 715 5,030 — — 
			 1999 Q1 13,945 4,925 200 580 2,290 1,845 10 
			 1999 Q2 16,405 1.3,510 6,480 910 2,670 3,330 120 
			 1999 Q3 20,910 7,800 620 365 2,510 3,560 745 
			 1999 Q4 19,895 7,485 515 610 3,550 2,410 400 
			 2000 Q1 18,900 23,245 995 2,070 14,985 4,965 225 
			 2000 Q2 20,125 31,420 5,375 5,495 16,225 3,690 635 
			 2000 Q3 20,435 25,750 1,725 2,285 19,595 1,675 470 
			 2000 Q4 20,855 28,795 2,275 1,640 24,875 — — 
			 2001 Q1 18,905 46.600 3,940 6,645 36,015 — — 
			 2001 Q2 15,895 27,845 2,760 4,540 20,550 — — 
			 2001 Q3 18,860 23,095 2,235 4,140 16,720 — — 
			 2001 Q4 17,705 21,475 2,245 4,525 14,705 — — 
			 2002 Q1 19,520 23,105 2,085 6,060 14,965 — — 
			 2002 Q2 20,400 19,625 1,860 5,205 12,560 — — 
			 2002 Q3 22,560 20,415 2,080 4,540 13,795 — — 
		
	
	(29) Figures rounded to the nearest five.
	(30) Data for 2001 and 2002 are provisional.
	(31) Initial decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period and exclude the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions.
	(32) Based on decisions implemented for in-country cases and on decisions made for port cases until April 2000. The Asylum Casework Information Database (A-CID) has been the source of data on decisions since May 2000.
	(33) Cases considered under normal procedures after Q3 2000 may include some cases decided under the backlog criteria.
	(34) Cases decided under pragmatic measures aimed at reducing the pre 1996 asylum application backlog.
	(35) May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices between Q1 1999 and Q1 2000.
	(36) Includes cases where asylum or exceptional leave has been granted under the backlog criteria.
	(37) Includes some cases where the application has been refused on substantive grounds.
	It is not possible to determine the number of these applications which remain outstanding as this information is unavailable and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records. At the end of September 2002, there were a total of 37,200 asylum cases awaiting an initial decision, including work in progress. This figure relates to the number of cases ie the number of principal applicants. On the same date, there were an estimated 47,000 appeals lodged with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) that had not yet been sent to the Immigration Appellate Authority. This figure includes non-asylum appeals.
	Of those persons who have been refused over this period, it is not possible to determine how many have subsequently been removed as this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records. Asylum applicants do not always inform the Immigration Service prior to leaving the United Kingdom, so information is not available on how many refused persons have left the country or have disappeared.
	Information on asylum applications, initial decisions, appeals and removals is published quarterly. The next publication will cover the period October to December 2002 and will be available from 28 February 2003 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

Immigration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were admitted in return for the closure of the Sangatte Red Cross camp and under what power; and under what power were they issued with work permits.

Beverley Hughes: The Red Cross centre at Sangatte was emptied by 14 December 2002. by 14 December 2002, 1,018 individuals had been admitted to the UK. Four further individuals were brought to the UK having previously been in hospital. One further individual is still currently in hospital and will be brought to the UK when discharged. This will bring the total number of individuals to be admitted to the UK from Sangatte to 1,023.
	These individuals have all been granted leave to enter pursuant to section 4(1) of the Immigration Act 1971. Their leave to enter does not restrict their employment and so they are free to seek and take employment.

Immigration

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers came from each country in the last 12 months.

Beverley Hughes: I regret that reliable information on the entry routes of asylum seekers from their country of origin to the United Kingdom (UK), is not available. The table shows the nationality of applications for asylum in the UK, excluding dependants, received between October 2001 and September 2002.
	
		Applications(38) for asylum,received in the UK excluding by nationality Quarter 4 2001 to Quarter 3 2002
		
			  Q4—2001 Q—2002 Q2—2002 Q3—2003 Total 
		
		
			 Europe  
			 Albania 250 265 335 330 1,180 
			 Czech Republic 120 80 595 620 1,410 
			 FRY 545 580 685 635 2,445 
			 Poland 155 235 310 275 975 
			 Romania 310 220 320 315 1,165 
			 Russia 110 80 65 70 320 
			 Turkey 810 650 730 700 2,885 
			 Ukraine 100 90 80 90 360 
			 Other former USSR 390 475 445 510 1,820 
			 Other former Yugoslavia 210 125 120 85 540 
			 Others 85 100 95 70 350 
			 Total 3,080 2,890 3,780 3,695 13,450 
			   
			 America  
			 Colombia 130 140 110 80 460 
			 Equador 75 85 75 75 305 
			 Others 210 235 305 365 1,115 
			 Total 415 460 485 520 1,880 
			   
			 Middle East  
			 Iran 680 600 525 725 2,535 
			 Iraq 1,800 2,840 3,420 4,300 12,365 
			 Others 230 225 240 295 990 
			 Total 2,715 3,665 4,185 5,325 15,885 
			   
			 Africa  
			 Algeria 190 260 305 240 1,000 
			 Angola 295 405 355 330 1,380 
			 Democratic Republic of Congo 430 570 475 565 2,035 
			 Ethiopia 140 105 165 220 635 
			 Gambia 20 20 25 35 105 
			 Ghana 45 45 60 90 245 
			 Ivory Coast 55 45 35 35 170 
			 Kenya 85 90 70 80 320 
			 Nigeria 305 265 270 270 1,110 
			 Rwanda 125 170 180 180 655 
			 Sierra Leone 420 355 370 210 1,355 
			 Somalia 1,360 1,295 1,455 2,095 6,205 
			 Sudan 90 80 120 200 485 
			 Tanzania 10 10 10 15 45 
			 Uganda 165 185 165 150 665 
			 Zimbabwe 780 1,495 1,345 2,105 6,725 
			 Others 800 865 910 1,235 3,810 
			 Total 5,315 6,260 6,315 8,050 25,945 
			   
			 Asia  
			 Afghanistan 2,225 2,350 2,130 1,555 8,255 
			 Bangladesh 125 140 180 160 605 
			 China 790 915 960 955 3,620 
			 India 425 505 405 530 1,870 
			 Pakistan 705 645 615 615 2,575 
			 Sri Lanka 1,410 1,240 900 615 4,165 
			 Other 465 410 375 490 1,740 
			 Total 6,140 6,210 5,570 4,915 22,835 
			 Other and unknown nationalities 40 35 60 50 190 
			 Grand total 17,705 19,520 20,400 22,660 80,185 
		
	
	Information on asylum applications is published quarterly. The next publication will cover the period October to December 2002 and will be available from 28 February 2003 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate web site at :
	http://www.homeoffice.govuk/rds/immigration1.html.

Immigration

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many nationals of (a) Canada, (b) Australia and (c) New Zealand have failed to leave the UK in each of the past five years (i) on the expiry of a limited leave to enter the UK and (ii) after having been granted temporary admission at a port of entry to the UK.

Beverley Hughes: I regret that information on the number of people who fail to leave the UK upon expiry of their limited leave to enter or temporary admission is not routinely available. However, I can confirm that very few nationals of these countries abscond having been given temporary admission. For each of these nationalities there were less than five individuals who absconded during the first six months of 2002.

Immigration

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2002, Official Report, column 988W, on immigration, when the evaluation was completed, and by whom; who was consulted; and when she expects to be in a position to write to the hon. Member for Woking.

Beverley Hughes: The evaluation was completed by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Intelligence Section (INDIS) on 20 September 2002 and submitted to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) senior managers for consideration. Recommendations were put to Home Office Ministers on 23 December 2002 following a review by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Board.
	The consultation process for the preparation of the evaluation report included INDIS, the Immigration National Enquiry Bureau (INEB) who were responsible for handling all incoming calls, and enforcement officers who assessed the allegations received for local action.
	I have remitted the recommendations of the evaluation back to officials for further details on cost and application. I will write again to the hon. Member once these details have been considered.

Immigration and Nationality Telephone Enquiry Bureau

Archie Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many telephone calls were made by the public to the Immigration and Nationality Telephone Enquiry Bureau in each year since 1997; and what the average response time was for each year.

Beverley Hughes: The Immigration and Nationality Enquiry Bureau answered 959,812 calls from members of the public during 2002. Data are not available prior to 2002 because the telephone equipment in use at that time was not able to provide data that differentiated between calls received from members of the public and those from Members of Parliament or other Government Departments and agencies.
	The average response time during 2002 for those held in the queue was four minutes and 44 seconds for callers on the General Enquiry line, 25 seconds for callers on the Application Forms line and five minutes and nine seconds for those on the National Asylum Support Service line.

Immigration and Nationality Telephone Enquiry Bureau

Archie Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of staff worked at the Immigration and Nationality Telephone Inquiry Bureau in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000, (e) 2001 and (f) 2002; and what the average level of days absent was in each year.

Beverley Hughes: Records are available for the years from 2000. The number of full-time equivalent staff employed in the Immigration and Nationality Telephone Enquiry Bureau was 127 in April 2000, 101 in April 2001 and 110 in April 2002.
	Data are not recorded in terms of absenteeism. Sickness absence for the Home Office is recorded and published by the Cabinet Office.

Immigration Reception Centre, Oakington

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants are resident at the Immigration Reception Centre at Oakington.

Beverley Hughes: In order to maximise the impact of the non- suspensive appeal provisions, Oakington has since 7 November 2002 taken only claimants from the 10 EU accession states (Cryprus, the Czech Republic, Eatonia, Hungary, Lativa, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia) listed as 'safe in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002'. Claims from these countries will be refused and certified as clearly unfounded, generating a non-suspensive appeal (NSA) right, unless the Home Secretary is satisfied they are not.
	In these cases, applicants are detained at Oakington for their decision and until removal, unless it is judged necessary to transfer them to secure detention. The daily intake at Oakington has so far been dependent on claims from persons entitled to reside in these 10 countries. Numbers dropped significantly in December 2002 and have so far remained low in January 2003.
	As a result, from 12 January 2003 Oakington has resumed a level of intake from the list of 40 previous nationalities from the Oakington suitable list. This will enable us to make best use of Oakington while retaining the flexibility to give absolute priority to the 10 nationalities at present covered by the NSA process and to wider use of that process at present under consideration.
	On 10 January 2003 32 people were detained at the centre.

Operation Street Cred

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his assessment is of Operation Street Cred on the Wirral.

John Denham: Further to my answer to my hon. Friend of 19 September 2002, I am advised by Merseyside Police that a formal review of Operation Street Cred will be undertaken shortly. I understand that local feedback from the public has been positive and Merseyside Police believe Operation Street Cred has contributed to a significant decrease in reported youth disorder since its introduction in June 2002.

Over-stayers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many over-staying visa-holders have been given exceptional or other leave to remain in each of the last five years; whether such leave implies a right for dependants to join them; and what call on public funds such persons are entitled to make.

Beverley Hughes: There are no data available on how many over-staying visa-holders have been given exceptional or other leave to remain. The requested information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.
	Where a person is granted exceptional leave to remain, family members would normally qualify to join them only after that person has been in the United Kingdom for four years. Applications may be considered before that point, but entry clearance for dependants will only be granted where there are compelling compassionate circumstances.

Over-stayers

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons who do not have leave to remain in the United Kingdom are resident in each county in England.

Beverley Hughes: Information is not available on the number of persons unlawfully present in particular counties in England (nor is there any information available about the total number in the UK as a whole).
	However, the Home Office has commissioned a study which considers methods of estimating the size of the illegal population. At present, there is no defined method for estimating the size of the illegally resident population in the UK.

Police Authority Funding

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of funding will come from (a) the precept, (b) Government revenue settlement, (c) other Government grants and (d) other income for each police authority in England and Wales in the financial year 2003–04.

John Denham: holding answer 16 January 2003
	The overall provision for policing that will be supported by grants in 2003–04 is £9,683 million. This is an increase of 6.2 per cent. or £566 million over the provision for 2002–03. The proportion of funding from the police precept, Government grants and other income is not yet available. Police authorities have until 1 March 2003 to set precept levels for 2003–04.

Police Retirements

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the expected retirement rate is for uniformed officers in each Police Authority area over the next five years.

John Denham: This information is not collected centrally. Overall retirements from the police service are expected to rise, reflecting historic patterns of recruitment to the service.

Postcodes

Paul Truswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use his Department and its agencies make of postcode areas for (a) the collection and publication of data, (b) devising formulae for the distribution of grants and awards and (c) the delivery of services; and when such usages were last reviewed.

Beverley Hughes: The available information held centrally is set out as follows:
	(i) Collection and publication of data
	The Home Department uses a postal address file in major surveys conducted by the Home Office such as the British Crime Survey, Home Office Citizenship Survey and Crime and Justice survey. This involves sampling at postcode sector level (or sometimes in segments of postcode sectors). Sampling is undertaken by independent survey companies and the Home Office is not informed of which areas/addresses have been selected to ensure that the anonymity of respondents is preserved but they do attach other data to the survey datasets using the postcode link (eg indices of local deprivation).
	Also, statistics showing the area of residence of asylum seekers supported by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) are currently published for NASS-defined administrative regions and cluster areas. Recent analysis of postcode information recorded on the Asylum Seekers Support System (ASYS), the administrative system maintained by NASS, has allowed provisional statistics to be compiled for standard administrative areas (Government Office Regions and Local Authorities). In the case of those asylum seekers in receipt of subsistence only support, this provides much greater geographical detail than is currently available. These statistics are currently being quality assured and are intended for publication once this process is complete.
	(ii) Formulae for the distribution of grants and awards
	The Home Department is responsible for devising formulae to allow for the effective distribution of police grant and geographic information (such as postcodes) are used. These data form part of an annual assessment of population within Force and Basic Command Unit (BCU) boundaries (based on estimates of population movement and of changing boundaries within or between Forces).
	The information is based on the most current estimates of population and demography available, and is updated at least every year. In addition the forthcoming analysis of the Census will lead to a more substantive revision than is normally the case, as these figures will be used to re-normalise estimates. In addition to the Police Funding Formula, these population changes within Basic Command Units contribute to the crime rates for certain offences. For example Robbery is commonly quoted as a rate per 1,000 (resident) population, as boundaries change and populations change this is therefore reflected in the rates calculated.
	Each year based (in some part) upon the demography within a BCU, the home department also revise the so-called BCU families. These families group BCU's in clusters, this grouping uses many variables, and again as boundaries change the characteristics of each BCU changes and this can be reflected in a change of grouping. These groups are currently used for comparison of performance and identifying exceptional performers such that this 'good practice' can be shared.
	(iii) Use of postcodes in the delivery of services
	In certain instances the Home Department and its agencies work with police and Criminal Justice System (CJS) agencies on special operations which have a specific geographic location such as a specific crime 'hot spot'. Special Home Office funding is often used to support these operations. In these cases the postcodes are more incidental than proactively driving the delivery of services.
	The Home Department used postcode data for the locks for pensioners scheme. To be eligible for the scheme the house had to be in a BCU with an above average burglary rate; the Home Department had to translate BCU areas into postcodes so that the scheme managers could tell whether applicants were eligible.
	The scheme officially ended in June 2002—ie that was the last day that applications were accepted—but surveying and installation work continued after that date. Most, if not all, should be completed this month.
	We also used postcode data on the Crime Reduction Website (www.crimereduction.gov.uk) to provide a facility for people to check if they were eligible for the scheme. Now that the scheme has finished, the facility has been removed.

Prison Overcrowding

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which prisons were overcrowded in (a) 1992, (b) 1998 and (c) 2002; and by what percentage each was above optimal occupancy; and what definition of overcrowded he uses.

Hilary Benn: A prison is overcrowded when the number of prisoners held at the prison exceeds its total in use certified normal accommodation (CNA). The CNA of a prison measures its capacity to accommodate prisoners in uncrowded conditions. Operational Capacity is defined as the total number of prisoners that an establishment can hold without serious risk to good order, security and the proper running of planned regimes.
	Those prisons where average population for the year exceeded the average CNA for the periods 1992–93, 1998–99 and April to November 2002 are shown in the table.
	At no time during the periods 1998–99 and April to November 2002 was the average population in any prison
	At no time during the periods 1998–99 and April to November 2002 was the average population in any prison above its operational capacity. Comparative data on operational capacity is not available for 1992–93.
	
		
			 1992–1993 1998–1999 April—November 2002 
		
		
			 Albany Altcourse Acklington 
			 Bedford Bedford Altcourse 
			 Birmingham Belmarsh Ashwell 
			 Bristol Birmingham Aylesbury 
			 Brixton Blakenhurst Bedford 
			 Bullwood Hall Brinsford Belmarsh 
			 Canterbury Bristol Birmingham 
			 Cardiff Brixton Blakenhurst 
			 Chelmsford Bullingdon Blundeston 
			 Dorchester Bullwood Hall Brinsford 
			 Durham Camp Hill Bristol 
			 Elmley Canterbury Brixton 
			 Exeter Cardiff Buckley Hall 
			 Feltham Channings Wood Bullingdon 
			 Glen Parva Chelmsford Bullwood Hall 
			 Hindley Cookham Wood Camp Hill 
			 Hull Doncaster Canterbury 
			 Lancaster Dorchester Cardiff 
			 Leeds Downview Channings Wood 
			 Leicester Drake Hall Chelmsford 
			
			 1992–1993 1998–1999 April—November 2002 
			 Lewes Durham Cookham Wood 
			 Lincoln East Sutton Park Dartmoor 
			 Liverpool Eastwood Park Doncaster 
			 Low Newton Elmley Dorchester 
			 Manchester Everthorpe Durham 
			 New Hall Exeter Eastwood Park 
			 Northallerton Feltham Elmley 
			 Norwich Glen Parva Erlestoke 
			 Pentonville Gloucester Everthorpe 
			 Preston Guys Marsh Exeter 
			 Shepton Mallet Haverigg Featherstone 
			 Shrewsbury Highdown Garth 
			 Stafford Highpoint Glen Parva 
			 Styal Hollesley Bay Gloucester 
			 Swansea Holme House Guys Marsh 
			 Wandsworth Hull Haverigg 
			 Wetherby Huntercombe High Down 
			 Winchester Lancaster Farms Highpoint 
			 Wormwood Scrubs Leeds Hindley 
			  Leicester Holme House 
			  Lewes Hull 
			  Lincoln Lancaster 
			  Lindholme Lancaster Farms 
			  Littlehey Leeds 
			
			 1992–1993 1998–1999 April—November 2002 
			  Liverpool Leicester 
			  Low Newton Lewes 
			  Maidstone Lincoln 
			  Manchester Littlehey 
			  Moorland Liverpool 
			  Mount Low Newton 
			  New Hall Manchester 
			  Northallerton Moorland 
			  Norwich Mount 
			  Parkhurst New Hall 
			  Pentonville Northallerton 
			  Portland Norwich 
			  Preston Nottingham 
			  Ranby Pentonville 
			  Reading Portland 
			  Risley Preston 
			  Shepton Mallet Ranby 
			  Shrewsbury Reading 
			  Stocken Risley 
			  Swaleside Shepton Mallet 
			  Swansea Shrewsbury 
			  Swinfen Hall Stafford 
			  Usk Stocken 
			  Verne Stoke Heath 
			  Wakefield Styal 
			  Wandsworth Swaleside 
			
			 1992–1993 1998–1999 April—November 2002 
			  Wayland Swansea 
			  Wealstun Usk 
			  Winchester Verne 
			  Woodhill Wandsworth 
			  Wormwood Scrubs Wayland 
			   Winchester 
			   Wolds 
			   Woodhill 
			   Wormwood Scrubs 
			   Wymott

Prison Population

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have occurred in the (a) numbers and (b) percentages of (i) women and (ii) men imprisoned in each of the past five years; and what his estimate is of the likely changes in the next three years.

Hilary Benn: The number of people in prison in England and Wales in each of the last five years is given in the table.
	
		Prison population as at 30 June
		
			 Year (38)Male (38)Female (39)Male (39)Female 
		
		
			 1998 62,194 3,105 95.2 4.8 
			 1999 61,523 3,247 95.0 5.0 
			 2000 61,252 3,350 94.8 5.2 
			 2001 62,560 3,740 94.4 5.6 
			 2002 66,824 4,394 93.8 6.2 
		
	
	(38) Number
	(39) Percentage of total population
	Projections of the male and female prison population are given in Home Office Statistical Bulletin "Projections of Long Term Trends in the Prison Population to 2009", a copy of which is in the Library.

Prison Suicides

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people committed suicide in prisons in each of the past five years; of these, how many took place in safe cells; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: The following table covers the 422 apparently self-inflicted deaths between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002. There have been six deaths of prisoners located in safer cells in the last five years.
	
		Number of self-inflicted deaths between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002 and self-inflicted deaths in safer cells
		
			 Year Total self-inflicted deaths Total self-inflicted deaths in safer cells 
		
		
			 1998 83 0 
			 1999 91 0 
			 2000 81 0 
			 2001 73 2 
			 2002 94 4 
			 Total 422 6 
		
	
	Note:
	The Prison Service employs the term "self-inflicted death" which includes all those
	deaths where it appears the person may have acted specifically to take his/her own life.
	The Prison Service has "safer cells" that can complement a regime providing care of at risk prisoners. The design of these cells has several features which can assist staff in the task of managing those at risk from suicide, such as specially designed furniture and fixtures which are manufactured and installed to make the attachment of ligatures very difficult, and access to window bars prevented via non-opening windows with integral ventilation grills.
	The Prison Service is half way through a three-year programme to develop policies and practices to reduce prisoner suicide and self-harm in prisons. This work includes increasing the numbers of safer cells and making safer cell furniture more easily available to establishments. To date installations have been carried out to provide 2,100 adult male and 610 juvenile and young offender safer cells. In addition a further 880 adult male safer cells are planned to come on line in 2003–04. Prototypes for large-scale production of safer cell furniture aim to reduce the current cost of safer cell furniture installations by approximately one third.

Prisoner Costs

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average cost is of maintaining a prisoner in (a) Class A, (b) Class B, (c) Class C and (d) open prison.

Hilary Benn: The average cost per prisoner for 2001–02 by category of prison is given in the table.
	These figures are establishment costs only, expressed in resource terms and exclude any share of headquarters overheads. Establishment cost per prisoner figures cannot therefore be compared with the overall Prison Service cost per prisoner figure, which includes all expenditure.
	
		
			 Category Average establishment cost per prisoner 2001–2002 (£) 
		
		
			 Dispersal (Cat A) prisons 42,443 
			 Category B prisons 24,059 
			 Category C prisons 18,828 
			 Open prisons 21,267

Prisons (Drugs)

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of (a) male and (b) female prisoners tested positive for illicit drugs in each British prison in the last year for which figures are available.

Hilary Benn: Mandatory drug testing (MDT) is part of the wider Prison Service drug strategy. It was introduced with three objectives: to deter prisoners from misusing drugs through the threat of being caught and punished; to supply better information on patterns of drug misuse to improve the targeting of treatment services and to measure the effectiveness of the overall strategy; and to identify individuals in need of treatment.
	The table sets out the percentage of prisoners who tested positive under random mandatory drug testing MDT in the last financial year (2001–02) in each prison in England and Wales. The names of the female prisons are highlighted in italic:
	
		Random Mandatory Drug Testing Figures 2001–02
		
			 Establishment Percentage positive 
		
		
			 Acklington 15.0 
			 Albany 0.0 
			 Altcourse 10.6 
			 Ashfield 13.7 
			 Ashwell 12.6 
			 Askham Grange 4.8 
			 Aylesbury 7.9 
			 Bedford 21.9 
			 Belmarsh 12.7 
			 Birmingham 16.2 
			 Blakenhurst 27.5 
			 Blantyre House 2.3 
			 Blundeston 7.5 
			 Brinsford 9.2 
			 Bristol 15.8 
			 Brixton 9.7 
			 Brockhill 9.3 
			 Buckley Hall 19.8 
			 Bullingdon 13.2 
			 Bullwood Hall 8.0 
			 Camp Hill 13.1 
			 Canterbury 12.9 
			 Cardiff 20.8 
			 Castington 7.8 
			 Channings Wood 5.8 
			 Chelmsford 16.0 
			 Coldingley 11.7 
			 Cookham Wood 2.2 
			 Dartmoor 5.9 
			 Deerbolt 9.1 
			 Doncaster 10.5 
			 Dorchester 22.8 
			 Dovegate 14.9 
			 Dover 16.6 
			 Down View 5.2 
			 Drake Hall 14.4 
			 Durham 13.4 
			 East Sutton Park 1.7 
			 Eastwood Park 8.8 
			 Elmley 11.9 
			 Erlestoke 18.9 
			 Everthorpe 13.9 
			 Exeter 17.8 
			 Featherstone 11.5 
			 Feltham 13.4 
			 Ford 7.0 
			 Forestbank 18.8 
			 Foston Hall 1.8 
			 Frankland 7.6 
			 Full Sutton 6.0 
			 Garth 10.9 
			 Gartree 3.9 
			 Glen Parva 13.7 
			 Gloucester 13.5 
			 Grendon 3.5 
			 Guys Marsh 21.1 
			 Haslar 0.0 
			 Hatfield 14.6 
			 Haverigg 23.4 
			 Hewell Grange 10.4 
			 Highdown 12.8 
			 Highpoint 14.2 
			 Hindley 13.8 
			 Hollesley 9.9 
			 Holloway 13.2 
			 Holme House 11.8 
			 Hull 8.0 
			 Huntercombe 15.5 
			 Kingston 6.4 
			 Kirkham 18.6 
			 Kirklevington 1.0 
			 Lancaster 16.2 
			 Lancaster Farms 3.9 
			 Latchmere House 1.9 
			 Leeds 15.3 
			 Leicester 22.0 
			 Lewes 31.6 
			 Leyhill 13.8 
			 Lincoln 9.7 
			 Lindholme 11.9 
			 Littlehey 7.5 
			 Liverpool 12.4 
			 Long Lartin 7.6 
			 Low Newton 17.6 
			 Lowdham Grange 7.9 
			 Maidstone 4.1 
			 Manchester 13.6 
			 Moorland 3.7 
			 Morton Hall 2.1 
			 Mount 7.9 
			 New Hall 6.8 
			 North Sea Camp 14.4 
			 Northallerton 11.5 
			 Norwich 17.1 
			 Nottingham 20.2 
			 Onley 4.3 
			 Parc 10.5 
			 Parkhurst 6.4 
			 Pentonville 20.7 
			 Portland 7.3 
			 Preston 16.5 
			 Ranby 7.2 
			 Reading 8.8 
			 Risley 23.9 
			 Rochester 3.7 
			 Rye Hill 8.7 
			 Send 8.3 
			 Shepton Mallet 15.5 
			 Shrewsbury 16.8 
			 Spring Hill 7.0 
			 Stafford 17.9 
			 Standford Hill 10.3 
			 Stocken 15.8 
			 Stoke Heath 2.3 
			 Styal 13.6 
			 Sudbury 8.2 
			 Swaleside 13.1 
			 Swansea 16.1 
			 Swinfen Hall 1.3 
			 Thorn Cross 13.0 
			 Usk/Prescoed 3.6 
			 Verne 2.0 
			 Wakefield 1.0 
			 Wandsworth 8.6 
			 Wayland 5.9 
			 Wealstun 14.3 
			 Weare 10.4 
			 Wellingborough 9.7 
			 Werrington 8.0 
			 Wetherby 5.5 
			 Whatton 1.9 
			 Whitemoor 13.7 
			 Winchester 20.9 
			 Wolds 3.3 
			 Woodhill 13.8 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 17.0 
			 Wymott 7.1 
			   
			 All Prisons 11.6

Prisons (Drugs)

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent in each of the past three years in prisons to deal with misuse of (a) illegal drugs and (b) alcohol; and what has been the cost of the monitoring of illegal drugs in prisons in each of the last three years.

Hilary Benn: The centrally-committed funding to deal with the misuse of illegal drugs in prisons for each of the last three years is:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			  
			  
			 2000–01 26.3 
			 2001–02 52 
			 2002–03 61 
		
	
	Details of locally-committed drug funding, funding to address alcohol misuse and the costs of monitoring are not held centrally.

Teacher Vetting

Neil Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the backlog of the vetting of teachers by the Criminal Records Bureau is; and what the average time has been for a case to be dealt with by the Bureau.

Hilary Benn: The information is not available in the form requested as there are no Information Technology (IT) procedures at present to extract this data from Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) database. It is expected that this capacity will become available in subsequent system releases.
	Since 11 March 2002 the Criminal Records Bureau has received 1,164,784 Disclosure applications and has issued over 938,981 Disclosures. Over the last six full weeks before Christmas the CRB has been averaging around 45,000 Disclosures per week, which is over double the weekly output issued by the police under the previous arrangements. Many of the total number of applications outstanding, currently 225,803, were returned to applicants to provide missing information.
	On average Disclosure applications are taking five weeks to complete.

Thames Gateway

Jon Cruddas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the extra resources required to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway area; what discussions he has had with other Government Departments in relation to supporting the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway; and what resources he has allocated to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway.

Beverley Hughes: The assessment of extra resources for the Thames Gateway and the decisions regarding policies for the support of new communities in the Thames Gateway are being progressed with the support of officials from the Government Office for London.
	The Home Office is committed to supporting the effort to regenerate the Thames Gateway area. The Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership was established by the Government in October 2000. My noble Friend (Lord Rooker), Minister for Housing and Planning, chairs the Partnership. Its membership comprises six Government Ministers, including the Home Office. Our policies on reducing crime and the fear of crime, tackling drug abuse, and supporting strong and active communities will ensure that sustainable and viable communities are created.
	In addition, the Home Office is working with colleagues in other Government Departments to ensure that sustainable and viable communities are created. In particular, officials from the Home Office's Active Community Unit have been liaising with officials from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to take forward work arising from the ODPM's Communities Plan.

Youth Crime

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's guidelines are to young offenders institutions in England and Wales regarding formal child protection procedures for juveniles in prison, what his estimate is of the number of young offenders institutions in England and Wales that implement formal child protection procedures; and if he will list the young offenders institutions in England and Wales that have formal child protection procedures for juveniles in their care.

Hilary Benn: In January 2002, Her Majesty's Prison Service published Prison Service Order 4950 which revised child protection protocols and policy; a copy can be found in the Library. It instructs governors as to the steps to be taken when instigating formal child protection procedures for juveniles held by the Prison Service.
	In accordance with the Department of Health's 1999 guidance "Working Together", a child protection committee has been established within each young offender institution (YOI).
	In consultation with the local area child protection committee, a local policy has been developed detailing arrangements for acting on allegations or concerns that a young person may have suffered or is at risk of suffering significant harm.
	The 18 YOls in England and Wales that implement formal child protection procedures are:
	Male
	Ashfield
	Feltham
	Lancaster Farms
	Stoke Heath
	Werrington
	Brinsford
	Hindley
	Onley
	Thorn Cross
	Wetherby
	Castington
	Huntercombe
	Pare
	Warren Hill
	Female
	Bullwood Hall
	New Hall
	Brockhill
	Eastwood Park

LORD CHANCELLOR

Hereditary Peerages

Andrew Turner: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what official record is maintained of holders of hereditary peerages of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

Rosie Winterton: A record of all hereditary Peers of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom in possession of a Writ of Summons to the House prior to their exclusion pursuant to provisions of Section 1 of the House of Lords Act 1999 is held by the Crown Office in my Department.
	The Crown Office also maintains a list of those Peers of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom who have formally established their succession to the Peerage since the enactment of the House of Lords Act 1999.

30-year Rule

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason the replies to HRH Prince Philip from Prime Minister Harold Wilson were not released by the Public Records Office under the 30-year rule at the same time as HRH Prince Philip's letters to Harold Wilson were made public.

Rosie Winterton: Harold Wilson's letter to HRH Prince Philip dated 15 July 1967 discusses details of an audience with HRH Queen Elizabeth II, unlike the letter of 11 July 1967 from Prince Philip to which Mr. Wilson was responding. In accordance with recently approved guidelines on the release of records relating to the Sovereign and the Royal Household's records relating to Ministerial audiences with the Sovereign should be closed for 40 years or until the death of the Sovereign whichever is later.

7/8 Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason the papers, including Courts Martial papers, relating to the members of the 7/8 Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers found guilty of Mutiny on the 15 April 1918 and sentenced to five years penal servitude, suspended, are not available for public inspection; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Most records relating to mutiny are held in two PRO series: WO 213 Judge Advocate General's Office: Field General Courts Martial and Military Courts, Registers (1909–1963) and WO 71 Judge Advocate General's Office: Courts Martial Proceedings and Board of General Officers' Minutes (1668–1992).
	Details of the charges made against individual members of the 7/8 Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers, and subsequent sentences, are contained in the register WO 213/21(folios 94–98). Individual Court Martial papers, if they have survived or have been selected for preservation, are found in WO 71. This series does not contain all Court Martial papers. Of the files for the period since 1914, only those relating to more serious offences, resulting in the imposition of a custodial sentence of five or more years for mutiny and insubordination, have been selected for permanent preservation. Given that members of the 7/8 Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers were handed down the lesser sentence of five years penal servitude suspended, it is unlikely that individual Court Martial papers have survived and are held by the Public Record Office.

Contractual Obligations

Michael Ancram: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what the Government's position is on the European Commission's adoption of a Green Paper on the Conversion of the 1980 Rome Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations into a Community instrument; what proposals the Government will be putting forward; what consultation the Government have had with (a) the Bar Council, (b) the Law Society and (c) equivalent bodies in Scotland and Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The European Commission's consultation paper on the 1980 Rome Convention on the law applicable to contractual obligations has not yet been published; this is expected in the next few weeks. Before taking a position on any issue raised in that paper the Government will consult the Bar Council, the Law Society and other interested individuals and organisations. Similar consultation will take place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Departmental Running Costs

Andrew Turner: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the running costs of (a) the Department and (b) each of its sponsored agencies were in (i) 1997 and (ii) the most recent year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: Detailed information on administration costs for my Department and its agencies, going back to 1998–99 and with projections to 2003–04, is set out in Table A4 of the 2002 departmental report (Cm 5408). Data for years before 1998–99 are not available on the same basis. Provisional outturn for gross and net administration costs limits were published in Public Expenditure 2001 plans to 2005–06, will be published in the 2003 departmental report in the spring.

Departmental Staff

Mr. Turner: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many full-time equivalent staff are employed in (a) the Department and (b) each of the agencies it sponsors; and what the figures were for 1997.

Rosie Winterton: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 16 January 2003, Official Report, column 697W.

Divorced Parents

Andrew Turner: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what procedures are in place to give effect to court orders permitting divorced parents access to their children.

Rosie Winterton: In 2001 there were 55,030 contact orders granted in England and Wales. Deliberate refusal to obey a contact order is a contempt of court and may be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. In cases that involve the care of children those remedies might not be in the interests of the children at the centre of the parents' dispute. In recognition of this my Department asked the Children Act Sub-Committee on Family Law (CASC) to consult on the issue. Their report, "Making Contact Work", was published on 8 February 2002 to which the Government responded on 6 August 2002. As part of that response, a stakeholder group has been established to look at the facilitation and enforcement of contact. The group comprises members from the judiciary, legal professionals, CAFCASS, other Government Departments and the voluntary sector. As well as considering how parents may be assisted to reach workable solutions, the group will be looking at alternative enforcement mechanisms. It is due to report in the summer.

Job Sharing

John Bercow: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in the Department.

Rosie Winterton: 2,407 staff currently work reduced hours in my Department, a large proportion of whom are engaged on a job-share or job-split arrangement (which are available to all grades, including the Senior Civil Service).
	A number of other flexible working patterns are available under my Department's successful work-life balance package, launched in 2001, including flexi-time, homeworking and compressed and reduced hours options. The flexibility of the pattern is decided in conjunction with local management to suit an individual's need and the needs of their work.
	When advertising vacancies, business areas are encouraged to welcome applications from people working different patterns. However, there are some instances where this is not possible due to the nature of the work.

Public Service Agreements

Howard Flight: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when he expects to publish his autumn departmental reports on public service agreement targets; and if he will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: I expect the autumn performance report for my Department to be published by the end of January or shortly thereafter.

Sickness Absence

John Bercow: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many days were lost due to sickness absence in the Department in 2002.

Nigel Evans: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many working days have been lost due to illness in the Department in (a) 2002 and (b) each of the preceding five years.

Rosie Winterton: The number of days lost to sickness absence is published annually in the "Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service" report published by the Cabinet Office, the most recent of which (for calendar year 2001) was announced by Ministerial Statement on 19 December 2002, and copies placed in the Libraries of the House. The 1999, 2000 and 2001 reports are available on the Cabinet Office website at: www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/civilservice/publications/sickness/index.htm.
	The figures for 2002 will be announced in due course.
	The Department is committed to managing sickness absence effectively and to meet the 2003 target for reducing sickness absence in our Service Delivery Agreement.